Where is the best place to buy vacuum tubes?

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

classiccaprice

classiccaprice

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 26, 2007
Messages
2,059
Location
Hampton, Virginia
I tested the tubes today in the Philco console I posted about about a month ago. (Thanks Dave for letting me borrow the tester!) Tube 7591 which connects to the speaker, has a short in it. I hope that this is the cause of the consoles issue. So, heres my questions to the audiophiles out there, where is the best place to buy vacuum tubes? 7591 is fairly expensive, so I'm trying to find one in decent condition for a decent price. Thanks fellas....

P.S. It's a genuine Philco tube from 1962
"When renewing insist on a genuine Philco Tube"
guess they didn't have a crystal ball... lol
 
It

is not easy to short tubes, really not.
Takes either a pretty nasty knock while in use or an enormous knock when cold...or a very simple failure of another component.
Before you risk a new tube, may I suggest you work back and test the values of all the other components involved...any clue as to what is "shorted"? If just the heater filament, that would be, given the circumstances of course, not bad.
Let's see. A blown cap. could do it as might a fried resistor...I don't think a short in the output transformer or speaker could do it, but am not an expert.
There are a few alternatives, but unless you go with this exact tube, it means new bias...and that means the other tetrode, too(gonna have to anyhow).
I find three manufacturers which *claim* bias compatibility and stereo matching. Below the link to one decent resource - 29.95$ plus shipping for a matched set in 2008 is, sadly, not bad.
Note: This is a tiny bit different physically, should be no problem, but check the dimensions. Same pin out.
At this point, I really think you need to have the chassis pulled and that circuit checked. I've made no secret all along that the amp. is the best part of this beautiful console. Well worth restoring.

Loading…

store.tubedepot.com
 
Hamfests?

if you have any 'hamfests' or 'ham flea markets' (amateur radio) around your way, you may find them there.
 
Different country, different meaning

I read it as vacuum cleaner (extension) tubes!

We would call them valves, as in Thermionic Valves.
 
Ebay, eBay, eBay. Also try Craigslist and Kiij.

In all instances search under a variety of spellings and wade through lots of listings. Often sellers haven't a clue as to what they have, but you can sometimes spy what you need in the advert photographs.

Also try contacting eBay sellers who seem to have many auctions on vacuum tubes. Just as we here love appliances, there are "tube heads" out there and some one may be able to hook you up.

Best of luck,

Launderess
 
Radio Tube Supply. Bought from "Dr. Roy" a number of times and the service is great (e.g. sent me a tube to try out to see if it fixed a problem. It didn't so I sent it back; no charge.)

veg

Loading…

www.radiotubesupply.com
 
If you haven't visited already, check out Antiqueradios.com or Audiokarma.org. I've seen posts there in the past that indicate there are members of these groups who have tubes to sell, trade, or just give away.
 
1950 GE Radio

Hey all.......I have my grandpa' old GE tube radio that i would like to get restored. (Model 409) Anyone have any ideas as to who restores old tube radios? Sure would like to get it working again.......i loved listening to his radio when i was growing up.......
Mark
 
Mark, there are people out there who can restore your radio. Try the sites I mentioned above to see if there is anyone in your area who can do it or recommend someone.

Ralph
 
so, I put the set back together after testing all the tubes... now all I can get on the radio are very quiet (at full volume) crackling radio stations.... I feel like every step forward I take two back.

Do you think it's a bad connection?

Also, anyone know of a good site to explain restoring this beauty? Or a book "Restoring your tube console/amp for dummies"
-replacing caps, troubleshooting tips, etc.

you all have been so much help, I know that I can do it with your support!

thank you all so much!
 
Typical

Welcome to the world of repairing vintage radios! Feel the brain cells working?
Check to be sure you put all the tubes back in the correct spot.
Other than that, secondary troubles induced while fixing the first trouble is very common. Check everything again. Wiggle every switch.
After that I'd be pulling out the Sams Photofact and the scope.
 
I posted on antiqueradios. Hopefully I'll get a response there.

Something odd with the tube, I cleaned the contacts of the shorted tube, and it tested fine. Go figure... The unit is till not working right, but at least it's one item of the list. I guess we'll see! Thanks fellas!
 

Latest posts

Back
Top