What tubes and where to buy them? Conrad Johnson


Hello!

I`m from Brazil but currently I`m doing part of my PhD at University of Florida.

Back in Brazil I have a Conrad Johnson Premier 3 pre amplifier and a MV55 power amplifier.

I need to buy a new set of tubes for both, since it`s very hard to find tubes in Brazil.

The tubes they use are:

Premier 3: 2 12AX7, 5 5751, 2 5965
MV55: 2 12AX7, 2 6SN7, 4 EL34

I would really aprecciate some advice on what tubes I should buy and specially where can I buy trustable audiophile tubes, and not guitar amp tubes. I`m looking for a cost effective option because I won`t be able to spend a huge amount of money with that.

Also, I would like to know what tubes should I start changing if I can`t afford changing it all.

Thank you vety much!
pedrod45
Pedrod45, that is a lot of tubes. Maybe you should invest in a used vacuum tube tester on Ebay. Different tube types last longer than others. ie; small preamp tubes can last for years vs. amp power tubes.
Go talk to Paul at Sound Ideas on NW 13th St. there in Gainesville. He has an a nice selection of tubes and you can discuss your ideas, goals, and budget.

Another possibility is Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Service. You can reference his website for some information, but you really just need to speak to him on the phone. He has great insight to most equipment and what tubes work well. His "perfect pick" tubes can save you some money on very well tested tubes.
Mofimadness, here is the quote that Conrad Johnson has sent me for the tube sets I need: "RTPR3 is $475 plus $19.95 for shipping and RT55 is $340 plus 19.95 for shipping". These are the tubes included: 12AX7 Mullard, 5751 Sovtek, 5965 GE, 6SN7 Sovtek, EL34 Mullard (I believe all brand new reissue tubes).

I`ve already received a quote from Brent Jessee (BTW, thank you Lowrider57 for this recommendation) and that`s what I got:

12AX7 Sylvania or GE 1960s, $30.00 USD each
5751 GE 2 mica military stock $30.00 each
5965 RCA $14.00 each

6SN7GTB General Electric 1960s $50.00 per matched pair
EL34 Groove Tubes Mullard reissue, $60.00 per matched pair

The total would be U$408,00 for all tubes and I believe that the only brand new reissue tubes are the EL34 Mullard`s.

Lowrider, yes, it`s a lot of tubes!!!! I just want to take the chance that I`m here in the US and take some tubes to Brazil, since once I get back there it`s hard to find this tubes and they are even more expensive.

I aprecciate your help guys!
Welcome to the US Pedrod45. I have had many excellent tube buying experiences with Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio, located in San Francisco, CA. His pricing is fair and he stands behind what he sells. Here's the web link:

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/