More on “Tubeology”

Here is a link to a short video “courtesy of Brent Jessee Recordings” Brent does a fine job of testing and grading the tubes he sells. (I have purchased tubes over the years from Brent and have recommended others to him) The video link will give you an idea of what I’m launching here at Classic Tube Audio with my “Tubeology” testing and grading process. (This will not be a process in competition with Brent) it is a service that I offer with my restoration/repair work or to customers who send me tubes they have that an in-depth test process can be performed. I will however offer on occasion “Tubeology” tested tubes for sale. But it is not my goal to compete with any of the fine offers by Brent or other tube sales operations

I’m just going much more in-depth. I have a highly modified Tektronix 576 scope, adding to this several precision regulated outboard power supplies, a precision ”stepper amplifier” that allows for a huge range of bias voltage’s to be applied x10 or -5 volts =-50 volts giving me a bias range from 0 to -500 vdc. I’m also adding a unique way to actually load the tube and apply a/c signals (frequency sweeps). My goal is to provide a level of test results at a “lab level” many other parameters of the tubes will be supplied in my measurement results. At this time these results are proprietary to the “Tubeology” process.. More to come soon. The “Tubeology” process is a huge undertaking so of course I’m delayed in the roll-out. But it’s going to be worth it!

In the mean time enjoy Brent’s video.

www.youtube.com/

“What’s Go’n On!”

I thought it would be fun just to snap some action pictures of work around the shop today. November 4, 2011..How good are you at guessing what you see in the photo’s?.. Components, Test Gear, Etc.. Do you think you know vintage audio? If you name all of the audio/stereo/tuners/components.. you can win? win what you say?.. a feature about you and your audio system right here in the main “Blog” you can show all your buddies! cool right?.. well…get started..I will post comments as they come in..5000 plus visitors a month will see your name up in lights!

Most of all have fun!

“Pat” the “Tubeology” Guy

 PS: you can click on the pix’s and enlarge..

NEW SERVICE SOON !!!!!!! (TUBES) update 9-25

I have always been doing high quality tube testing and matching with an extensively modified Hickok 539C test unit. But very soon a new “ULTRA” performance testing, matching and real operational performance results will be offered.

8-3-2011

We are getting closer to offering a most unique service for the ultimate in tube testing/matching/selecting  (a world wide service) real tests, actual printed/documented results in performance under real operating conditions

“Tubeology” Spoken here!

Have you ever wondered if the “designer” expensive tubes you have purchased are really up to the claimed results? I know that you pay top money for these tubes. Brands like Telefunkin, Amperex, Mullard, RCA, Tung-Sol, GE..ETC. the service offered will be to put these tubes under actual real world load and signal conditions and provide documented test results with photos of the curve trace and true gain (mu) all parameters will be documented with the tube along with several B+ (high voltage) test and curve plots. various bias set points. among a dozen other tests. The results will come with the base line reference from the manufacture so you can see what the NOS tube should test as and what your tubes test as. I also will offer bulk matching and sorting for multi tube (matched use)

More details and sample results will be posted soon. As far as I know no one is offering such a high quaility and precision test service.

UPDATE: Sept 25….. I’m as usual behind, but this project/service is going to be great. I have now been working on a process to add an additional service with this premium Tube testing/grading offering. 24K gold plating on for the pins. Why, you ask?.. for vastly improved contact between the tube and the mating socket, a non resistive connection and improved signal transfer. I will not only glass bead blast clean the pins on the tube I will then chemically etch and clean, then 24K direct plate the pins. “does it work?, can you hear it?” you bet you can. I hope to have photos posted of the entire process soon

It’s gotta glow to be real

Western Electric 211-E Triode (SOLD)

WESTERN ELECTRIC 211-E TRIODE with GOOD FILAMENT

Here we have a very rare engraved base 211-E Triode. It is very clean and in good physical condition I have also checked the continuity between the pins with an ohm meter and between 2 pins reads about 9 ohms I am assuming that this is the filament.
Since the pins on the bottom show some oxidation I am assuming that the 9 ohms is a bit high and would be lower if the pins were cleaned and polished.

The inside of the tube is also clean, and the silver getter at the top is shiny and complete. There is some slight brownish marks (see photo)
Also someone has marked the base with an “12 Ef” this may be from the factory since it is very neatly done but it may not be stock since this tube is from the 1920′s it could of happened any time in the past 90 years.

this tube is currently on ebay -

here is some info about this tube

 

Western Electric 211-E with an Engraved Base

Western Electric 211-E with an Engraved Base

 

 

Filament Current (maximum): 3A +/- .15A
Filament Voltage:
10V
Plate Voltage:
750 – 1000V
Average Plate Current for Plate Voltage 750V and Grid Voltage – 30V: 65 Ma
Average Plate Impedance: 3.5 K ohms
Mu: 11 – 13
Maximum Continuous Plate Watts: 65W

Western Electric 211-E engraved base Triode

Western Electric 211-E engraved base Triode

5u4 tubes for sale – NOS

We have several NOS 5U4 tubes for sale call or email for more info or prices -