[Tyson]

Hi all,
Anyone know how long these tubes take to break in generally?  I found a matched pair for $50 and snapped them up (and yes, they have the diamond on the bottom).  They came today, and after about 2 hours they still sound worse than the Amperex Bugle Boy's they replaced.  How many hours should I put on them before making a final decision about whether or not they really are worse than the Bugle Boys?

[JakeJ]

Were they advertised as NOS?  Did you have an opportunity to test them for gm?  If not then try to find someone local to test them for you as they may be already worn out.

Ballpark guess as to break-in period would be from 20 to as much as 200 hours.

YMMV,
Jake

[Tyson]

Luckily there's a shop less than a block from me that I can test them.  I'll give them a bit more time before I pass judgment on them.  On the other hand, there's a possibility that the Bugle Boys are simply better.

[Tyson]

They were pretty dusty, and were advertised as "Balanced and matching Gm at 4500,4500/2600 and 3800,3800/2600 Look great, nice getters", plus no boxes, so I'm betting they are pulls.

[BillB]

My VTL has a single at7 slot and when I put in a Telefunken it was immediately apparent...though I have never tried an Amperex in there...