[ctviggen]

So, I bought a headphone amplifier that uses tubes:

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Dot-6JI-standard-Headphone/dp/B00A2QM5O6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1434279170&sr=1-1&keywords=Little+Dot+I%2B+6JI+X2+Tube+amp

Many comments indicated the normal tubes were bad.  People recommended some tubes.  So, I ordered Voshkod 6ZH1P:

http://www.tejastubes.com/voshkod-6zh1p-ev-6ak5-ef95-403b-5654-cv4010-m8100/

I ordered two matched pairs. One pair had an intermittent crackling sound that made it hard to listen to.  The other pair caused a horrible buzzing that existed all the time. They were unlistenable.

I had also ordered General Electric (GE) 5654 / 5654W / 6AK5 / 6AK5W:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E9H4L5A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

These did not say they were matched.  These caused output to occur only on the left side.  Oddly, if I switched tubes, so I took the right one and put it on the left, the left and put it on the right, then the output still only occurred on the left.

I finally put in the original tubes that came with the amplifier and they worked fine.  I'm using them now.

I'm ouy $100 for tubes and had only a few days of listening.  Is this common?  Have you had the experience of tubes being bad as soon as you get them?  How do you know what dealers to use?  Can anyone make any recommendations for places to buy tubes (preferably for this amplifier)?

[borism]

Hi,
The first sticky in this circle is about vendors that people have had good experiences with. In general, good vendors thoroughly test the tubes they are selling and stand behind their products if they don't perform. I have had excellent service with Upscale Audio and Brent Jessee. However, never had a need for the same tube type as you.

[sfox7076]

Does not sound like a tube issue to me.  Swapping tubes and still getting sound from only one side sounds odd to me.  I would confirm tube compatibility.

[ctviggen]

Thank you.  I'll take a look at compatibility once I get to work, where this is stored.

From my 4 year old:                 

[Guy 13]

Thank you.  I'll take a look at compatibility once I get to work, where this is stored.

From my 4 year old:                 

Hi ctviggen,
from what I see, your soon will be a great future Audio Circle member.
Son, keep up the good work. 

Guy 13

[FullRangeMan]

VIGGEN,
Seems the Tejas shop sold rejected tubes to you.
These defects you mention will not ''break in'' they are permanent IMO.
You would had bough some spare tubes from the amp builder, if it impossible dont buy the amp also.

The best Russian shop to buy tubes is this:
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=+6zh1p&submit=Find
The 6J1n-EB is a bargain at $0,70 each.
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6ak5&bl=&mmm=0&aaa=0&valuta=840
The ''expensive'' 6AK5 CSF France looks good.

[ctviggen]

Does not sound like a tube issue to me.  Swapping tubes and still getting sound from only one side sounds odd to me.  I would confirm tube compatibility.

I confirmed tube compatibility and also that the amp was configured correctly.  Everything was correct. 

[ctviggen]

Hi ctviggen,
from what I see, your soon will be a great future Audio Circle member.
Son, keep up the good work. 

Guy 13

Both my kids (7,4 year olds) love these icons.  They make me go through them one at a time, telling them what their names are.

[ctviggen]

VIGGEN,
Seems the Tejas shop sold rejected tubes to you.
These defects you mention will not ''break in'' they are permanent IMO.
You would had bough some spare tubes from the amp builder, if it impossible dont buy the amp also.

The best Russian shop to buy tubes is this:
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=+6zh1p&submit=Find
The 6J1n-EB is a bargain at $0,70 each.
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=6ak5&bl=&mmm=0&aaa=0&valuta=840
The ''expensive'' 6AK5 CSF France looks good.

Thank you.  I'll check those out.