Buying Tubes Again; Maddening

Shoot an email over to Jim McShane when you get a chance. He is very knowledgable and provides great service:

jimmcshane@prodigy.net

I don't think he recommends the Genalex with a phono stage, but he will give you plenty of options. His website is here if you want to peruse his selection first:

http://www.mcshanedesign.net/tubes.htm

I have no association with Jim, just have had very positive experiences. He is very forthcoming with his expertise.

Jim McShane is terrific. Another is Andy at Vintage Tube Services. I once bought a tube from him, got rid of the gear, never used the tube then called him up 3 months later asking if I could trade the tube in for another. He said no problem. Whether he's always so accommodating, I'm not sure, but he's definitely a great guy and has been doing this a very long time. First rate and full of integrity.

Well, as they say, YMMV... I would think that the whole mix can interact in sometimes unpredictable and funny ways, particularly in regard to things like an "organic" character. I never heard anything about unusual noise levels with the JJ's in circuit; I can't at this point speak directly on the matter -- haven't heard it yet. Good luck, and let us know what worked if you find the key.

I used the Genelex reissue 12ax7 in a preamp and phono preamp, and they worked fine. Good enough. Still better than SS. No, not quite the equal of fine NOS, but better than Sovtek/EI, which sounds strident in my gear. I got tired of obsessing about and paying for NOS tubes. This way, I can also use tube amplification for the tv, with no worries - which sounds great.

Contact member Trelja for Psvane and Shuguang tubes.

I find the 12AX7 to be a terrific value in the context of NOS pricing.

IMO