False/rebranded tubes

DVD-Software.info
Your one stop source for DVD Software

Profile

False/rebranded tubes Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next

DVD-Software.info Forum Index -> Tubes

Author

Message

John
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 8:56 pm Post subject: False/rebranded tubes

I have heard of low quality tubes (Chinese and Russian?) which have been provided with old Mullard logo etc. Does anybody know about this swindle, and where those tubes come from? Johnn

Gregg
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 9:29 pm Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

I seen a bunch on eBay. -- Gregg t3h g33k "Ratings are for transistors....tubes have guidelines" http://geek.scorpiorising.ca

Lord Valve
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:31 pm Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

John wrote:

Quote:

I have heard of low quality tubes (Chinese and Russian?) which have been
provided with old Mullard logo etc. Does anybody know about this swindle,
and where those tubes come from?

Johnn

The only ones I can speak for are the ones made by Reflektor.

New Sensor/Mike Matthews owns legal rights to the Mullard
badge, and is currently producing an EL34 which uses it. It
doesn't look anything like the old Mullards, and you'd have to
be pretty stupid to get confused by it. It is, however, *not* a
low quality item. In fact, *everyone* I've shipped a pair to
(so far) has liked 'em. And they do, in fact, have much of the
sonic signature of the old ones, at least when used in guitar
amplifiers.

I think Mike deserves kudos for producing *completely new*
tubes to sell under these badges, rather than re-badging
tubes from his existing lines (as so many of the clueless
audiophools have accused him of doing). Whether or not
you like these items is, of course, completely up to you.
I for one am glad to have *any* new tube to add to my
arsenal, and I don't give a rat's ass what is printed on
the bottle.

I think Mike just likes to hear the audiots whining about it. ;-)

BTW, the new Tung-Sol 6550A will kick the *piss* out of
any other currently-produced 6550, and most NOS, too.

Commence screaming.

Lord Valve
Tone Chaperone

VISIT MY WEBSITE: http://www.nebsnow.com/LordValve
I specialize in top quality HAND SELECTED NOS and
current-production vacuum tubes for guitar and
bass amps. Good prices, fast service.
QSC amps, RNC compressors, lots of other good stuff!

Partial Client List: * Derek Trucks/Allman Brothers Band *
* Meatloaf * Catherine Wheel * Yo La Tengo * Let's Go Bowling *
* Rob Hyckys (guitarist for Commander Cody) * Waky Amps *
* Fleetwood Mac * Tyrin Benoit * Eugene Fodor * Dale Bruning *
* Komet Amplification * Dr. Z * Maven Peal * Blockhead Amps *
* Jim Kelley * Balls Amplification * Roccaforte Amplifiers *
* Gerhart Amplification * Aiken Amplification * The Right Half of AGA *
* Lots More *

NBS Electronics, 230 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209-1510
Phone orders/tech support after 1:30 PM Denver time at 303-778-1156

- Our 23rd Year -

VISA - MASTERCARD - PAYPAL

"I'm not an asshole, but I *play* one on the Internet." - Lord Valve

Sander deWaal
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:40 pm Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

Lord Valve <detritus@ix.netcom.com> said:

Quote:

BTW, the new Tung-Sol 6550A will kick the *piss* out of
any other currently-produced 6550, and most NOS, too.

Interesting! Wha's the price for a matched quad?

--
Sander de Waal
" SOA of a KT88? Sufficient. "

Patrick Turner
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 10:41 pm Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

Lord Valve wrote:

Quote:

John wrote:

I have heard of low quality tubes (Chinese and Russian?) which have been
provided with old Mullard logo etc. Does anybody know about this swindle,
and where those tubes come from?

Johnn

The only ones I can speak for are the ones made by Reflektor.

New Sensor/Mike Matthews owns legal rights to the Mullard
badge, and is currently producing an EL34 which uses it. It
doesn't look anything like the old Mullards, and you'd have to
be pretty stupid to get confused by it. It is, however, *not* a
low quality item. In fact, *everyone* I've shipped a pair to
(so far) has liked 'em. And they do, in fact, have much of the
sonic signature of the old ones, at least when used in guitar
amplifiers.

I think Mike deserves kudos for producing *completely new*
tubes to sell under these badges, rather than re-badging
tubes from his existing lines (as so many of the clueless
audiophools have accused him of doing). Whether or not
you like these items is, of course, completely up to you.
I for one am glad to have *any* new tube to add to my
arsenal, and I don't give a rat's ass what is printed on
the bottle.

I think Mike just likes to hear the audiots whining about it. ;-)

BTW, the new Tung-Sol 6550A will kick the *piss* out of
any other currently-produced 6550, and most NOS, too.

Commence screaming.

Screaming wastes energy, and I'd rather ask some quiet questions.

About 12mths ago I tested Sovtek small coke bottle KT88,
and KT88EH and 6550EH and got the same Ra, gm, u for the 3 samples.
Looking closely through the glass, I couldn't see too much difference in the
electrode structure, so I assumed they were physically identical hence
electronically identical,
and the difference was only in the appearance.

So, is the new Tungsol just another tube exactly the same as the existing line
up
but dressed up to make it appeal to ppl loyal to old brands?

I don't care what's on the bottle, or what styling is used,
as long as it does the business.

Patrick Turner.

Quote:

Lord Valve
Tone Chaperone

VISIT MY WEBSITE: http://www.nebsnow.com/LordValve
I specialize in top quality HAND SELECTED NOS and
current-production vacuum tubes for guitar and
bass amps. Good prices, fast service.
QSC amps, RNC compressors, lots of other good stuff!

Partial Client List: * Derek Trucks/Allman Brothers Band *
* Meatloaf * Catherine Wheel * Yo La Tengo * Let's Go Bowling *
* Rob Hyckys (guitarist for Commander Cody) * Waky Amps *
* Fleetwood Mac * Tyrin Benoit * Eugene Fodor * Dale Bruning *
* Komet Amplification * Dr. Z * Maven Peal * Blockhead Amps *
* Jim Kelley * Balls Amplification * Roccaforte Amplifiers *
* Gerhart Amplification * Aiken Amplification * The Right Half of AGA *
* Lots More *

NBS Electronics, 230 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209-1510
Phone orders/tech support after 1:30 PM Denver time at 303-778-1156

- Our 23rd Year -

VISA - MASTERCARD - PAYPAL

"I'm not an asshole, but I *play* one on the Internet." - Lord Valve

Lord Valve
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:20 pm Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

Sander deWaal wrote:

Quote:

Lord Valve <detritus@ix.netcom.com> said:

BTW, the new Tung-Sol 6550A will kick the *piss* out of
any other currently-produced 6550, and most NOS, too.

Interesting! Wha's the price for a matched quad?

Right now, around $160. Coming down soon, hopefully.

LV

Lord Valve
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:27 pm Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

Patrick Turner wrote:

Quote:

Lord Valve wrote:

John wrote:

I have heard of low quality tubes (Chinese and Russian?) which have been
provided with old Mullard logo etc. Does anybody know about this swindle,
and where those tubes come from?

Johnn

The only ones I can speak for are the ones made by Reflektor.

New Sensor/Mike Matthews owns legal rights to the Mullard
badge, and is currently producing an EL34 which uses it. It
doesn't look anything like the old Mullards, and you'd have to
be pretty stupid to get confused by it. It is, however, *not* a
low quality item. In fact, *everyone* I've shipped a pair to
(so far) has liked 'em. And they do, in fact, have much of the
sonic signature of the old ones, at least when used in guitar
amplifiers.

I think Mike deserves kudos for producing *completely new*
tubes to sell under these badges, rather than re-badging
tubes from his existing lines (as so many of the clueless
audiophools have accused him of doing). Whether or not
you like these items is, of course, completely up to you.
I for one am glad to have *any* new tube to add to my
arsenal, and I don't give a rat's ass what is printed on
the bottle.

I think Mike just likes to hear the audiots whining about it. ;-)

BTW, the new Tung-Sol 6550A will kick the *piss* out of
any other currently-produced 6550, and most NOS, too.

Commence screaming.

Screaming wastes energy, and I'd rather ask some quiet questions.

About 12mths ago I tested Sovtek small coke bottle KT88,
and KT88EH and 6550EH and got the same Ra, gm, u for the 3 samples.
Looking closely through the glass, I couldn't see too much difference in the
electrode structure, so I assumed they were physically identical hence
electronically identical,
and the difference was only in the appearance.

So, is the new Tungsol just another tube exactly the same as the existing line
up
but dressed up to make it appeal to ppl loyal to old brands?

I don't care what's on the bottle, or what styling is used,
as long as it does the business.

Patrick Turner.

Gm is *way* higher, up in the 9,000 - 10,000 range rather than
in the 6,000 - 7,000 range like the rest. The plates are the
same as all the other Reflektor stuff (good plates - no reason
not to re-use the design) but the guts are different, and more/larger
radiators have been affixed to the grid rods. (Both at the top and
the bottom.) Has one top and two side getters, like the original.
Sounds *killer* in guitar amps and Leslie cabs. Looks cool, too. ;-)

LV

Quote:

speddling
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:09 am Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

Lord Valve wrote:

Quote:

BTW, the new Tung-Sol 6550A will kick the *piss* out of
any other currently-produced 6550, and most NOS, too.

Commence screaming.

Are they in your opinion rebranded Sovtek KT88? I'm about to place an
order for a matched Octet and I've heard the Tung-Sol are a great new
tube, but also not to waste the extra money because they are just
relabeled Sovtek.

François Yves Le Gal
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:27 am Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 15:09:24 -0500, speddling <speddling@yahoo.com> wrote:

Quote:

Mullard's are gone, Tung-Sol's are gone, Amperex'es are gone. If you fancy
those brands and can afford the outrageous prices requested by speculators,
go NOS.

If you're sane, get some new tubes and don't worry about the actual brand or
label. And don't listen to people peddling their wares as the best thing
since sliced bread.

speddling
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:00 am Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

François Yves Le Gal wrote:

Quote:

I've been told by a couple amp techs (that know I wouldn't be buying
from them) that the new sensor Tung-sol are some of the best "current
production" 6550/KT88 tubes made for bass amp use. I've also been told
conflicting info by them as to if the Sovtek KT88 is the same as the New
Sensor "Tung-Sol"... I'm just asking again here (since no one responded
to my post here last month) are they the same? Sovtek KT88 and Tung-Sol
6550 that come from the New Sensor factory.... What is the truth?

I fancy the best sounding most consistent and most reliable "Current
Production" power tubes for my bass amp. Too many crooks pushin' old
glass.... plus I'd end up breaking it if it wasn't replaceable, I've
proven to be a disciple of Murphy and his damned law.

If my HiFi needed a 6550, I'd look at some NOS gems.

for my needs, I'll take something I can get at a moments notice from
just about any source

Gilbert Bates
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:01 am Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

Quote:

If you're sane, get some new tubes and don't worry about the actual brand or
label. And don't listen to people peddling their wares as the best thing
since sliced bread.

Au contraire, *do* listen to people peddling their wares and weigh
their opinions with a good dose of common sense. You wouldn't go out
and buy a Yugo, disregarding the folks trying to tell you what a pile
o' shit they are, would you? To get an informed opinion on anything
requires a little input from other sources, obviously.

As for LV, I've bought several thousands of dollars worth of tubes
from him over the last 5-7 years, he's close to me so it's quick
business. But I weigh his input because he has too many brands to
choose from and I don't have time to test 'em all and find out which
ones I like for performance and reliability in all the different amp
brands I work on.

François Yves Le Gal
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:41 am Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 16:00:19 -0500, speddling <speddling@yahoo.com> wrote:

Quote:

I've been told by a couple amp techs (that know I wouldn't be buying
from them) that the new sensor Tung-sol are some of the best "current
production" 6550/KT88 tubes made for bass amp use.

Have they actually tested the tubes or are they just parroting what others
have said?

Quote:

Sovtek KT88 and Tung-Sol
6550 that come from the New Sensor factory.... What is the truth?

New Sensor doesn't have a factory. They usually relabel Russian tubes. The
very same tubes are usually available under their original brands on the
open market.

Quote:

If my HiFi needed a 6550, I'd look at some NOS gems.

Have a look at the real Svetlana's (the ones with the flying C, not the
relabeled versions sold by New Sensor), they are IMO some of the best 6550's
ever for most amplifiers.

François Yves Le Gal
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:44 am Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 21:01:15 GMT, Gilbert Bates <gilbert@peakpeak.com>
wrote:

Quote:

If you're sane, get some new tubes and don't worry about the actual brand or
label. And don't listen to people peddling their wares as the best thing
since sliced bread.

Au contraire, *do* listen to people peddling their wares and weigh
their opinions with a good dose of common sense.

Nope. A surprisingly large number of tube sellers are stupid, incompetent or
crooked. No need to waste time listening to them.

Quote:

You wouldn't go out
and buy a Yugo, disregarding the folks trying to tell you what a pile
o' shit they are, would you?

Then, how can a tube seller be objective?

Quote:

To get an informed opinion on anything
requires a little input from other sources, obviously.

Or you can consider doing your homework and test a sample of tubes for
yourself. Then do some research about who manufactures what for who. You'd
be surprised of the results.

Quote:

As for LV, I've bought several thousands of dollars worth of tubes
from him over the last 5-7 years, he's close to me so it's quick
business.

OK. But is your supplier objective when it comes to his inventory?

speddling
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 3:00 am Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

François Yves Le Gal wrote:

Quote:

Have they actually tested the tubes or are they just parroting what others
have said?

Not use what you call "testing" but they've set up their own and
customer's tube heads with them and made judgment via those means

Quote:

New Sensor doesn't have a factory. They usually relabel Russian tubes. The
very same tubes are usually available under their original brands on the
open market.

Yes... sorry, "Marketed and distributed" by New Sensor.

Quote:

Have a look at the real Svetlana's (the ones with the flying C, not the
relabeled versions sold by New Sensor), they are IMO some of the best 6550's
ever for most amplifiers.

home listening or gigging bass/guitar head? I've heard strong warning
against "Winged C" or "Flying C" for my needs (many from those who sell
them).

Thanks for the replies.

scottp
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 4:02 am Post subject: Re: False/rebranded tubes

François Yves Le Gal wrote:

Quote:

On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 16:00:19 -0500, speddling <speddling@yahoo.com> wrote:

I've been told by a couple amp techs (that know I wouldn't be buying

from them) that the new sensor Tung-sol are some of the best "current

production" 6550/KT88 tubes made for bass amp use.

Have they actually tested the tubes or are they just parroting what others
have said?

Sovtek KT88 and Tung-Sol
6550 that come from the New Sensor factory.... What is the truth?

New Sensor doesn't have a factory. They usually relabel Russian tubes. The
very same tubes are usually available under their original brands on the
open market.

I beleive the sv6550s are made at the Reflector factory, Is this true?

Are the new Tung-sol 6550 relabel Reflector 6550s?

Thats what I don't like about the use of the original brand names,
it doesn't mean anything. Why call them a Tung-sols when they are not?

Now svetlana 6550B, 6550C etc... I understand that. If its a Reflector tube
call it sv6550XT etc....

I ordered tubes from Mike Mathews 15 years ago, and before all this
marketing faults labelling. I guess all companies need to grow and
branding is part of the empire building. It starts looking like we're
playing the shell game with existing products though at some point.

I must say in closing that I like new sensor and my experince has been
good with them. I felt the need to rant on using RCA, Amperex, and
Tung-sol.
branding. I have it out of my system now, I think.

Thanks
Scott

Quote:

If my HiFi needed a 6550, I'd look at some NOS gems.

Have a look at the real Svetlana's (the ones with the flying C, not the
relabeled versions sold by New Sensor), they are IMO some of the best 6550's
ever for most amplifiers.

	DVD-Software.info Forum Index -> Tubes	All times are GMT Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next
Page 1 of 3

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum