Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Other Stuff => Other Topics => Topic started by: SLW on November 13, 2010, 08:27:25 pm

Title: Tubes worth it?
Post by: SLW on November 13, 2010, 08:27:25 pm

Hi all, lookng for advice.  I have a craigs list find.  The guy has two boxes of tubes and wants $40 for each box.  Each box has a couple of drawers.  I can buy one or both.  There are a bunch of tubes in each box.  The seller describes them as a "TV" tubes.  While I don't see any classic guitar amp tubes, I can't help but wonder if there any tubes of value for audio or other use.  If some are worth buying and selling I will do just that.  I would keep some for tinkering if they were suitable for amp use.  What do you guys think?

Thanks
SLW

Title: Re: Tubes worth it?
Post by: SLW on November 13, 2010, 08:29:16 pm

other box

Title: Re: Tubes worth it?
Post by: stingray_65 on November 14, 2010, 12:49:05 am

SLW,

Just my opinion, $40 is a lot for those boxes. for the $80 total you might spend on them, you can buy a mess of more useful tubes.

Not to say a few might be skilfully crafted into an amp, but take it from an old parts scrounger, stick with proven designs. WAAAY cheaper in the end.

I've found the cheapest donors for tubes, iron, chassis, speakers is old organs

I have a route I take on Mondays and Fridays, from goodwill to salvation army and then to a church thrift store. about 3 times a year I get a good find. never paid more than $25 either, One was chock full of 1957 RCA long black plate 12ax7's sold half on eBay and made my car insurance payment. found an Allen that had 49! 1958 Amperex Bugle boy 12AU7's, I was "GIVING" them away to audiophools for $30 each. gave away a scad more to some great guys on the forum for the cost of shipping LOL.

anyway, my .02 says walk away, if you want TV tubes I'll pack you up a box you pick up the shipping and give me a quarter per tube  :grin:

OH! do look around! I did get a tube caddy with a bunch of junk tubes, but in the bottom was 6 packs of NOS sprague black beauties that bought $15 each on ebay. they listing lasted all of 45 seconds.

Ray

Title: Re: Tubes worth it?
Post by: Shrapnel on November 14, 2010, 02:40:00 am

The three 5AQ5's might be useful, as they are a slightly lower heater voltage version of the 6AQ5 (nearly a 6V6 in a small bottle) But just for the tree alone... not worth $40.00 or even $80 for the two cases.

Title: Re: Tubes worth it?
Post by: FYL on November 14, 2010, 06:56:43 am

Quote

The guy has two boxes of tubes and wants $40 for each box.  Each box has a couple of drawers.  I can buy one or both.  There are a bunch of tubes in each box.  The seller describes them as a "TV" tubes.

TV tubes are basically worthless.

Title: Re: Tubes worth it?
Post by: sluckey on November 14, 2010, 08:32:46 am

I saw some 6C4s in the box. I'm working on a project right now that uses a 6C4. It's basically half a 12AU7. I bought two 6C4s from ebay for $4 total. But most of those tubes have little value for guitar amps. I value the space those boxes would take up much more than the contents of the boxes.   :grin:

Title: Re: Tubes worth it?
Post by: SLW on November 14, 2010, 04:06:30 pm

Thanks for the input everybody.  I will pass on this deal ans save my money for something else.

SLW