5881 choices for TOS

[stingray_65]

I'm not finding any unused 5881's or 6l6GB's in my tube collection.

so I'm gonna actually buy a brand new set of tubes! (gasp!)

I'm torn right now between Sovetek 5881WXT's or Tunsol Reissues.

Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated, I'm in new territory here.

Thanks,

Ray

[LooseChange]

Try the used ones. They may sound perfect.

[Tone Junkie]

Tube tramp on the metro forum has some nos 5881 for I think $70 or 72.00 a pair. Bill
PS dont buy to many I still need to get some   

[tubenit]

I'm currently using Tung Sol 5881 Re-issues and have also owned Tung Sol 5881 originals that HotBluePlates gave me.

I think they're comparable to my ears in my amps & all very nice sounding tubes.

With respect, Tubenit

[Twanger]

+1 for the tung sol RI

John

[LaszloS]

+1 reissues, though I have never been able to compare NOS tungsols.

I have been using the tungsol RI's in a Pro reverb style amp they sound real good but what is the best bias point for them? mine are running at 50ma (cathode current) at 420VB+ but they don;t red plate and I feel I could push them more.  I don't know maybe thats crazy.

[FYL]

The Tung-Solskies are excellent.

[stingray_65]

Thanks Fella's,

I can't afford to buy NOS unless I get a steal on fleaby. I'm SO over-budget on this build already, I loved the mojo the TOS has so much that I bought a lot of parts and didn't recycle hardly any where. That's not to say I didn't have a few spare parts lying around to use, but I didn't even try to use one of my vintage speakers or old Iron.

I do still have a trio of NOS RCA 12AX7's 1957 long black plates with pretty white letters and all on them and 2 NOS RCA 5879's with ugly orange print sitting wrapped up in a cigar box on my bench waiting to go in after the shake down run.

Maybe in November when I get part 2 of my severance I'll indulge in some vintage glass, but for now I'll follow the suggestions and get a pair of Tung Sol reissues.

Thanks for your opinions

Ray