Best place to get valves?

Tim F

Tim F

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Hi All,

I'm after a new set of valves... I'll need 16 KT90's or KT88's. I don't want the Ei KT90's but happy with everything else.

Looking for decent valves without the huge prices! Must be matched, if possible matched 8's but at worst matched quads.

Could buy second hand if they aren't too old.

Thanks, Tim
 
Thanks matey,

Seem like you're pretty clued up... what are your top valve choices.

I could see anything on Ebay.


Cheers, Tim
 
dunno I have a real mix and match, all the east europe bloc seem pretty good.

jjtesla have great small valves

and some of the main chinese brands now are good, too. valve art for cheaper.

I have 300bs, so I need to watch the price. Can't complain about sovtek/ VA/ eharmonix.
 
Tim

In reality Ei are the only way to go for KT90's. China is starting to produce them, but are of greater variation than Ei. I understand that Ei KT90 mkIV are fine though.

Any way the best new KT88 are from ElectroHarmonics designated KT88EH and should cost about £20 each.

BTW
You could phone up Tim Paravicini at EAR and ask where he gets his KT90's from or if he'll sell you some. I'm sure they'd be OK.
 
Thanks all, seems like KT88's are the way to go.

I'm going the way of origional Svetlana's (SED), can only get these in America though. Unless anyone knows more than me! (most of you). This is after much looking around.

Only one other tube that seems as good is Tesla Vrsovice which at over £900 per 16 may be off the list!

Ei KT90's have poor write ups all over the place. Could be the version numbers.
 
Tim


Try
Langrex Supplies
Wilson Valves
Watford Valves
Chelmer Valve Company

All contact details in Hifi World.


My suggestion would be to get them from somewhere that tests the specification/performance of the valves before sending them out, as well as matching a quad set for you. You can also find other valve suppliers in guitar magazines.
 
I bought from the Tube shop a few weeks ago,I bought some Electro harmonix for the Cal,it was cheaper than getting them here,and thats including the postage,so I was pleased with them.
 
I appreciate your help everyone!.

The current valves I have turn out to be EI KT90's which has a very solid state sound, similar to my Krell and seem very good.

Adam, what did you end up paying? (obviously how many valves did you get too).

I think it's working out to be about 4 to 5 hundred total. The amps sound so damn good even though they're not working properly that I think I'm going to be blown away when they're finished!!!
 
Hi Tim,

I only bought two small 12AX7 (usa) for the outputs on my DAC,so i'm wasn't looking at the kind of money your spending....big bucks.
 
Tim

I'll only say this once
  • Go to www.tube-town.de
  • Order 2 sets of matched quads of KT88EH for 100euro a set
  • Be happy

He also does Svetlana. If you go for them do make sure it is the C logo. Do a search on AudioAsylum to check what they think of the S logo. These are 130Euro each, but I'm sure you could cut a deal for 8 of them.
 
i was told by a certain manufacturer that the ei tubes were sometimes of variable quality and sometimes go pop. there is of course the risk of taking out one of the screen grids if this happens, so be careful.
 

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