HCT, ITube Fatman, Dared MP5, Sonic Integrity MP5, Vuum Vti-B1

Evrythngmatters

Hi. I did use the search feature and came across this thread http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82370
on these little hybrids. I am new to tubes so please excuse any questions you feel are stupid. My question is as follows. Those of you that have had this what were the tubes you ended up keeping for this. The thread I linked to mentioned some tubes but I have no idea where to start as far as this goes. Best place to buy,honest sellers so they don't show up dead or broken,a good price etc.

I am listening to this little guy as we speak hooked up to a pair of A/D/S speakers and all I can say is, spectacular!!

heiney9

Russian 6N1-P's are pretty good, the older the better. Look for them from the Voskod or Kaluga manufacturing plant.

I like the Telefunken ECC85 or Valvo ECC85 with the D/cross bar getter. The telefunkens are pricey and the Valvo's are hard to find.

I have a great pair of Siemens made RCA's if you are interested. I have a few extra pairs, let me know.

H9

Evrythngmatters

heiney9 wrote: »

Russian 6N1-P's are pretty good, the older the better. Look for them from the Voskod or Kaluga manufacturing plant.

I like the Telefunken ECC85 or Valvo ECC85 with the D/cross bar getter. The telefunkens are pricey and the Valvo's are hard to find.

I have a great pair of Siemens made RCA's if you are interested. I have a few extra pairs, let me know.

H9

Thank you very much for the info. I am working right now but will look for the tubes you mentioned and if I don't have much luck I just may take you up on your tube offer. Many thanks.

Evrythngmatters

Ok. I have found these tubes from this company. Anyone ever order from them? Are they ok? Of the three I am listing which tubes would you go with? Anyone here who reads this and knows about tubes please chime in.

http://www.hifitubes.nl/catalog/siemens-ecc85-p-393.html
http://www.hifitubes.nl/catalog/telefunken-ecc85-p-166.html
http://www.hifitubes.nl/catalog/valvo-ecc85-p-125.html

Here are a few others to add as well.
http://www.tubedepot.com/6aq8.html
http://thetubestore.com/ehx6aq8.html
http://www.tubedepot.com/nos-6aq8-rft.html
http://www.tubes-store.com/product_info.php?products_id=188

heiney9

I have never bought from hifitubes, but shipping and dollar conversion is going to make it pricey. 17.50 british pounds = $28.55 x 2 = $57 plus $28.55 to ship to the US for a grand total of $85 for tubes you can buy all day on ebay for a whole lot less.

As far as the Tube Store, the RFT's are the only one's I'd consider or the Tele's if you want to spend that much. Frankly, I don't spend $160/pr on tubes for even my main rig. The EH's are very average Russian tubes and your other links just states "various brands". I don't buy tubes unless I know what I'm getting.

I have a pair of brand new NOS (in boxes) RCA brand (Seimens made) 1960's I'll sell you for $40/pr shipped and insured.

H9

Evrythngmatters

Thank you very much for the info. and advice. I will take you up on the offer for tubes so check your pm's. I see this tube purchase as the first of many since I always seem to get the bug sooner or later. :eek::biggrin: