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Used tubes question

I bought a used quad of xf2's. They were cheap, 150.00 bucks, so I figured I'd give this older-mullard-tube-thing one reads about so much a listen. Now I worry about putting them in my intergrated. I have a Leben CS-600 and fear it going up in flames. The seller said they were closely matched and tested on his such and such tester. He had plenty of positive feedback. Should I just pop 'em in and see what happens? What is the worst that can happen?
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thorman
1,262 posts
 
I would actually try to get them tested first if possible..Even if its for peace of mind and cost a few bucks.I have even had NOS tubes that tested perfect go bad after 30 minutes of play time. I don't go out of my system area for at least a couple hours on first start up,just in case a tube wiggs out, your there to shut down as quick as possible...Thats what I do anyway.......
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marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I would sacrifice the sound quality or pay more, but buy stock factory brand new tubes. Same with TT cartridges NIB only period.
missioncoonery
1,221 posts
 
but buy stock factory brand new tubes

IMO ,I totally disagree..Ive bought tons of used tubes on ebay with no issues.Mullards,Seimens etc etc,Seems rather silly to spend twice the money from a tube broker or buy inferior "new" tubes when the real deal stuff is available on the bay.Get a tube tester.They are everywhere,cheap enough and its kindof fun to test them..
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