Decent source for parts and accessories?

Hantra · « **on:** 16 Feb 2005, 07:00 pm »

It seems these days that more and more audio related businesses just SUCK. I ordered some tubes the other day from a place that someone called a "reliable source". I did it on the phone. Gave them my info, and CC number, and even agreed to get gheyed by their $20 overnight shipping from Canada. Two days later, my tubes aren't here, and my card hasn't even been charged. When I call to find out the deal, there's not even a hint of concern.

"I can take your number and have someone give you a call, eh?"

So there goes my "reliable" source for matched pairs of Mullard CV2492's. I start looking elsewhere, and I remember all the freaking problems people have with this other guy out west. People can never seem to find him. He's unresponsive to e-mails, and as predictable as the sun rising, every three weeks, there is a thread on an audio forum entitled: "Has anyone heard from ______ ______ ?". . .

So who can we trust? The other guy out west doesn't seem to be very concerned about customer service, as I have ordered from him before. The companies with the super service like Parts Express, they don't carry the boutique items that insane audiophiles want.

I get all I can from Mike at Cryotweaks b/c he's fast as heck, and very service oriented, but he has a limited range of products.

So who's left? Where can I get these tubes without getting burned? I know I don't qualify for the one "high scale" audio shop's "private stash" of good tubes. I guess it's like buying a Ferrari Enzo or something. You have to buy 3 or 10 broke-dick Ferraris before you qualify for the nice one.

You would think that with the audiophile community not exactly GROWING, there'd be more concern about buyers. Especially ones that are willing to get gouged on some old tubes.

Ohh nevermind. I just wanted to type that off my chest. . .

woodsyi · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 08:56 pm »

Parts Connexion has them for an arm and a leg, but they have great service. How much you willing to pay for service?

http://www.partsconnexion.com/catalog/NOSTubes.html

Hantra · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 09:36 pm »

Quote from: woodsyi

Parts Connexion has them for an arm and a leg, but they have great service. How much you willing to pay for service?

http://www.partsconnexion.com/catalog/NOSTubes.html

That's who I am waiting on for my Mullards. . .

And it looks like they won't make it out today either, even though they were allegedly in stock. The girl's like "I'm not sure what the deal is, but they have to be matched and all. . you'll have to talk to Chris". . . Well he was the cordial fellow who immediately dismissed me this morning, so that's not going to work.

Amazing. Perhaps I am too demanding.

ohenry · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 09:43 pm »

I've dealt with Leonard Ho via Audiogon for some NOS tubes and he was honest and very accomodating. He may have something to offer at a good price. I'll go back soon for more 6SN7's.
len@reefscapes.net

woodsyi · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 09:55 pm »

Let me get this straight. You are willing to paying buck sixty for a pair of matched NOS mullards. The vender lists 13 matched pairs in stock. You call in the order and they take the order for express shipping but nothing happens.

That doesn't sound like them. They have been very good with me on my orders for other stuff. I would definitely e-mail Chris Johnson directly to see what is going on.

tex-amp · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 09:56 pm »

I've seen this place recommended but haven't done any business with them myself. They have just a few tubes though. http://www.percyaudio.com/

Hantra · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 10:04 pm »

Quote from: tex-amp

I've seen this place recommended but haven't done any business with them myself. They have just a few tubes though. http://www.percyaudio.com/

I don't suppose you've seen any of the hundreds of "Has anyone heard from Michael Percy" threads on the audio boards then?

All these people are always saying how he hasn't responded to e-mails in three weeks, and they think he's dead. . So I'd probably snap if I did business with them.

Hantra · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 10:05 pm »

Quote from: woodsyi

Let me get this straight. . . . I would definitely e-mail Chris Johnson directly to see what is going on.

That sounds right. Perhaps I'll e-mail him. It's possible I got his alter ego when I spoke with him this morning.

woodsyi · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 10:13 pm »

You know, early morning, before a cup of Java, woke up on the wrong side of bed, cold Canadian winter, NHL cancelled, one can be grumpy. I've been known to be grumpy at times like that. Perhaps a cordial e-mail will remedy the situation?

At least he didn't charge your card!

Dan Driscoll · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Feb 2005, 11:18 pm »

When I had tube gear I always got good service from Electron Valve. They have changed the name and are now The Tube Depot

bubba966 · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 07:58 am »

How 'bout these then?...

http://www.tubedepot.com/cr-cv2492.html

Audiopro · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 12:36 pm »

I've had delivery problems in the past from Parts Connexion. Nothing serious though, and have never been blown off. However I never, ever by tubes from them.
Good tube suppliers are Jim Mcshane (don't have URL) or www.thetubestore.com
Both are very reliable

Hantra · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 02:23 pm »

Quote from: Audiopro

I've had delivery problems in the past from Parts Connexion. Nothing serious though, and have never been blown off. However I never, ever by tubes from them.
Good tube suppliers are Jim Mcshane (don't have URL) or www.thetubestore.com
Both are very reliable

I like The Tube Store as well. Always exceeded my expectations on service, but unfortunately they don't have these tubes. That's the first place I looked.

I saw those at the Depot and contacted them. Hope to hear back from them. Thanks Bubba.

B

JoshK · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 02:52 pm »

I just bought some Elna Cerafines from Parts Connexion and they shipped promptly and their service was courteous however their prices are harsh. I don't know about where to source tubes though. Did you try Audio Electronic supply (Cary/AES supplier)?

Do the CV2492's have another name, i.e. most tubes have more than one name?

Check out the links section of hagtech's website, gives a lot of sources of tubes.

JoshK · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 03:07 pm »

from the tube depot:

http://www.tubedepot.com/nos-cv2492.html

Quote

The Mullard CV2492 is an extremely rare version of the E88CC gold pin. These are some of the best sounding E88CC / 6922 available. Made for the English Military, the CV2492 is one of the finest E88CC / 6922 variants you can use for audio.

JoshK · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 03:09 pm »

From the tube asylum...

Quote

CV2492 is the E88CC , a special quality version of the ECC88 . CV2493 is the E88CC-01 which is the ultimate version manufactured by Mullard . Both are interchangeable with all 6922/6DJ8 types .

Hantra · « **Reply #16 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 03:43 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

Did you try Audio Electronic supply (Cary/AES supplier)?

Hah! You know I never thought about that one. Perhaps they would be a good source for me. Fast shipping too!

I did find a source for these at quite a bit less than Connexion, and LOADS less than the Depot. I'll let you know how it goes. If it goes well, I'll certainly post this guy's info.

B

tex-amp · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 04:21 pm »

There is a thread on agon on this place. http://tubeworld.com/

doug s. · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 Feb 2005, 04:38 pm »

tubeworld seems way over-priced, imo. if i were wanting to pay top dollar, i think this guy is hard to beat:
http://www.vintagetubeservices.com/

somewhat more reasonable:
http://www.vacuumtubes.com/

also reasonable:
http://home.att.net/~chimeraone/index.html

and:
http://www.tubeman.com/index.htm

but, for the most part, i have had excellent results fro priwate wendors on agon & ebay; i yust search for the specific toob i'm looking for, & can usually come up w/what i want in short order...

doug s.