NOS Tubes: Store 'em or use 'em


Whadda ya think?

Here's what I was thinking about; eventually all the classic NOS tubes or even used old tubes are going to be gone. Sure, there's lots of 'em out there but, reality is, the NOS are becoming more and more rare by the day. Let's say I have a NOS pair of Sylvanis 6SN7W metal base tubes. If I start using them today, they might last, under normal use, what...five years? What will be the state of affairs then?? Will I ever be able to replace them? Will I have to pay significantly more than I did today?

Should I just use them sparingly on "special occasions?" Should I say, hell with it, I might die tomorrow - enjoy them while I can and deal with it in five years?

What's the concensus here?
pawlowski6132
When I change components I always keep my stash of NOS tubes even if they don't use those particular tubes. You never know when you may return to a component that uses those tubes, and the price is always going up, keep them! On the other hand, you might sell them if you're feeling generous :-)
NOS tubes, you guys are so 20th century, the real vanguard of the ultra high end extreme underground is NOS solid state chips. People are rummaging through yard sales and pawn shops and taking apart 60s and 70s era amp/receivers looking for vintage silicon chips. Something about that sharp, edgy sound bringing back the magic of Grand Funk on the Panasonic combo receiver/turntable. I'm so glad I keep my Nehrus!
Correct Onhwy61, the only thing better than NOS solid state chips would be FOS CC. (Fresh On Site Cow Chips).