With Tube Prices So High, Worth Looking into NOS?

[Zak TMD]

So it finally happened, and I believe at least one of my (new production) Tung Sol's in my Meatsmoke is dying. The tubes are 6550s.

So the world being what it is right now, new build TS are running between $70-90 a piece (up from $45 in 2019). Even JJs are up to $65+ at this point.

On the other hand, I'm seeing some NOS GEs for a quad for $400 shipped.

Would you all think this is worth it?

I've heard some mention that the GEs are longer lasting / more sturdy than Tung Sols but also that I'd notice a bit less low end / warmth. I've also seen people say that any major tonal differences from power tubes are pretty minimal...

Any help insight would be greatly appreciated, noting that I'm new to the idea of NOS.

 

[Passinwind]

So it finally happened, and I believe at least one of my (new production) Tung Sol's in my Meatsmoke is dying.

So the world being what it is right now, new build TS are running between $70-90 a piece (up from $45 in 2019). Even JJs are up to $65+ at this point.

On the other hand, I'm seeing some NOS GEs for a quad for $400 shipped.

Would you all think this is worth it?

For what tube type please?

 

[Zak TMD]

Whoops 6550s

For what tube type please?

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Do NOS prices rise when new prices do?

 

[Zak TMD]

Do NOS prices rise when new prices do?

Tube Depot has jacked up their prices across the board and are currently selling NOS GEs for $250/each.

So based on that, I'd say yes, but not all sellers are doing the same thing.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Tube Depot has jacked up their prices across the board and are currently selling NOS GEs for $250/each.

So based on that, I'd say yes, but not all sellers are doing the same thing.

Thought that might be the case. I guess the only consideration then, is if NOS is better in other ways?

 

[agedhorse]

It's generally a gamble, NOS was in many cases no better than current new construction and maybe worse.

I remember seeing plenty of defects when NOS was actually current stock.

 

[Passinwind]

I remember seeing plenty of defects when NOS was actually current stock.

And IME those defective ones make up a lot of what's left to sell by this point.

 

[Zak TMD]

It's generally a gamble, NOS was in many cases no better than current new construction and maybe worse.

I remember seeing plenty of defects when NOS was actually current stock.

So, in your assessment, even at current prices, contrasting NOS GEs (tested and matched) VS new Tung Sols is not worth it? Do you think many defects would get through the testing process?

Since I have very little real experience with NOS, I'm just asking the questions with no preconceived notion.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

So it finally happened, and I believe at least one of my (new production) Tung Sol's in my Meatsmoke is dying. The tubes are 6550s.

So the world being what it is right now, new build TS are running between $70-90 a piece (up from $45 in 2019). Even JJs are up to $65+ at this point.

On the other hand, I'm seeing some NOS GEs for a quad for $400 shipped.

Would you all think this is worth it?

I've heard some mention that the GEs are longer lasting / more sturdy than Tung Sols but also that I'd notice a bit less low end / warmth. I've also seen people say that any major tonal differences from power tubes are pretty minimal...

Any help insight would be greatly appreciated, noting that I'm new to the idea of NOS.

I think the 6 power tubes in my Eden 300v are worth more than the amp itself as a whole….no joke. But, it’s a great head.

 

[agedhorse]

And IME those defective ones make up a lot of what's left to sell by this point.

Yup, and at those prices, with the mystique that surrounds "the good 'ol days", can you really blame them?

So, in your assessment, even at current prices, contrasting NOS GEs (tested and matched) VS new Tung Sols is not worth it? Do you think many defects would get through the testing process?

Since I have very little real experience with NOS, I'm just asking the questions with no preconceived notion.

Yes, IME defects do get through. Quality new tubes by premium brands are generally better from what I have seen. Testing is generally not done at the voltages and currents that the amp operates.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

So, in your assessment, even at current prices, contrasting NOS GEs (tested and matched) VS new Tung Sols is not worth it? Do you think many defects would get through the testing process?

Since I have very little real experience with NOS, I'm just asking the questions with no preconceived notion.

I also think NOS can bring it's own set of issues. Especially with tubes.
Who's to say a NOS 40 year old GE hasn't leaked just a bit in all that time?
Or who knows what else might happen after sitting on a shelf after all that time and being subjected to heat, vibration and high voltage for the first time ever. Was it destined to fail when new due to a defect? Will they guarantee and replace a failed NOS tube?
It seems to me that the appeal of NOS is in having s functioning amp with the exact same look as when it sold for new.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

So it finally happened, and I believe at least one of my (new production) Tung Sol's in my Meatsmoke is dying. The tubes are 6550s.

So the world being what it is right now, new build TS are running between $70-90 a piece (up from $45 in 2019). Even JJs are up to $65+ at this point.

On the other hand, I'm seeing some NOS GEs for a quad for $400 shipped.

Would you all think this is worth it?

I've heard some mention that the GEs are longer lasting / more sturdy than Tung Sols but also that I'd notice a bit less low end / warmth. I've also seen people say that any major tonal differences from power tubes are pretty minimal...

Any help insight would be greatly appreciated, noting that I'm new to the idea of NOS.

I think the 6 power tube in my Eden 300v are worth more than the amp itself as a whole. And it’s a great head.

 

[JimmyM]

Other than 6sl7’s in V1 of a B15, I simply don’t see a need for NOS tubes anymore. I did at one time but once my small stock of them runs out, I am done with them.

 

[moon-bass]

The motherload of GE NOS tubes is sitting in a GE office near Albany NY. An exec that may or may not still work there had a huge shelving unit filled with tubes - hundreds and hundreds of them - just sitting there being used as decorations for his office. I asked him once if I could have a few and you'd think I was taking away his puppy.

 

[KenD]

Years ago many new production tubes had poor QC and were unreliable. However some new brands have now caught up amazingly by having tubes built in Asia or Russia to their specs (e.g. Tube Amp Doctor and The Tube Store). In my experience the top new production is every bit as good as NOS in terms of quality and reliability, especially for power tubes. Obviously there are tonal differences both between New and NOS, as well as within each of those categories.

For preamp tubes I still think that for the most part NOS have superior tone and reliability. Many new production preamp tubes sound flat and lifeless to my ears.

 

[Zak TMD]

I don't have a sound quality issue with new builds at all, but I was curious with a price difference about $20 per tube currently, if it was worth the extra $20/each. If tubes were priced at normal prices now, I probably wouldn't even be considering the NOS.

 

[numberfourthree]

All good comments above. I would say it also depends on how you use your gear. If touring and playing night after night, I would suggest current production tubes for the same reason many touring musicians prefer Boss pedals, if equipment breaks, it’s that much easier to replace / repair. I love the old stuff but it would make me pretty nervous not having decent backup amps on the road.

 

[Zak TMD]

All good comments above. I would say it also depends on how you use your gear. If touring and playing night after night, I would suggest current production tubes for the same reason many touring musicians prefer Boss pedals, if equipment breaks, it’s that much easier to replace / repair. I love the old stuff but it would make me pretty nervous not having decent backup amps on the road.

Weekly practices, and typically 25-35 shows a year (mostly on the road) with pretty short sets. Might use for recordings. My biggest concern would be shelling out $400 to then have old tubes crap out immediately.

 

[higain617]

I think those NOS tubes are for amps that don't actually get used. JJ has always done right by me.