Where to buy radio vacuum tubes???

nichelob · by **nichelob** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 11:03 pm

Hey Folks,

Do any of you have any recommendations on where to buy radio tubes? Best price and reliability?

Thanks!!!

Record-changer · by **Record-changer** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 8:52 am

That's a good question. I know of the following places:

- Hamfests (Ham radio operator gatherings) - Usually the seller knows the tubes are good.

- Other radio sets.

- eBay - always a gamble. Better to get an old set than to buy individual tubes.

- Antique dealers - also a gamble

There were many series sets made by different companies, but using the same 5 tubes. Those tubes are grouped, depending on the age of the set:

Sets with grid and/or plate caps on top of the tubes:

RF Converter: 12A8
IF amplifier: 12K7
Detector and first audio amplifier: 12Q7
Audio power output: 50L6
Rectifier: 35Z4.

Early octal-socket tube sets (thick pins, with a keyed center locator):

RF Converter: 12SA7
IF amplifier: 12SK7
Detector and first audio amplifier: 12SQ7
Audio power output: 50L6
Rectifier: 35Z5

Sets with Loctal sockets (8 thin pins, with a snap-lock center locator):

RF Converter: 14Q7
IF amplifier: 14A7
Detector and first audio amplifier: 14B6
Audio power output: 50A5
Rectifier: 35Y4 or 35Z3

Sets with miniature 7-pin and 9-pin tubes:

RF Converter: 12BE6
IF amplifier: 12BA6
Detector and first audio amplifier: 12AV6 or 12AT6
Audio power output: 50C5 or the less-common 50B5 (not interchangeable)
Rectifier: 35W4

Bobby Basham · by **Bobby Basham** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:42 pm

It's been several years since I've checked, but ANTIQUE ELECTRONIC SUPPLY out of Tempe, Arizona has transformers, tubes and tube sockets, Orange Drops caps, variable capacitors, knobs, sockets, connectors, fuse holders, and speaker grille cloth.

ANTIQUE ELECTRONIC SUPPLY
6221 SOUTH MAPLE AVENUE
TEMPE, ARIZONA 85283
(480)820-5411
FAX1:(480)820-4643
FAX2:(480)706-6789

Another company that I haven't checked since 1998 is:
SOVTEK
20 COOPER SQUARE
NEW YORK, NY 10003
(212)529-0486
1-800-633-5477
FAX:(212)529-0486

Website: http:/222.newsensor.com

I don't know if the addresses or numbers are still valid.

Best of luck to you. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

2agray · by **2agray** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:50 pm

Research, research, research.......there are tons of places on line to buy tubes. Shop around for the best prices. Some Russain Ebay dealers sell multiple lots that are quite cheap and the tubes are very good quality - however - the shipping does take forever. Like 6 weeks.

I bought like 24 6L6 tubes for $13.00 off Ebay. You absolutely cannot beat that! Just shop around. Usually dedicated sites to antique radios or jukeboxes are going to have higher prices for their tubes.

45honcho · by **45honcho** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:32 am

The best place to but tube is http://www.findatube.com/. He has the best prices and availability that I have found.