[Boatanchors] Tube Prices (was 2A3)

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Then again (believe it or not), there's a larger, less-known group of
radio folks who actually use these tubes as originally intended in
rigs like the Hallicrafters HT-4/BC-610 etc. You don't hear as much
about them as you do the audiophool groups because they aren't out to
prove anything to the world and lack the "Mine's bigger than yours"
attitude for the most part. It's more about resurrecting an old
transmitter and putting its wonderful signal back on the air for all
to enjoy. When I became a 610 owner last year and lost one of the 2A3s
to an accident, I was sent a free set by one of the other list admins
who is also a member of these lists. Not exactly the money-oriented
approach many have come to expect of such tubes and gear.

I have 3 larger transmitters that use 6B4Gs as audio drivers, and an
old broadcast transmitter that utilizes 6A5Gs. These are also tubes
sought out by the audiophools and collectors. Triodes in general, for
that matter, are scarfed up more and more by this group, making fewer
available and at a higher price for the true 'users' out there. Not
that the audio/collector types don't use gear, but I do know of a
number for whom displaying and impressing are far more important.

So, for some of us at least, the almighty buck isn't the real issue.
We trade amongst ourselves with the intention of keeping a good stock
available for radio purposes. I've given away NOS RCA 845s, didn't
bother me a bit. In fact, I just sold a broadcast transmitter that
included a bunch of 845s and got offers from folks I've never seen
make a post before, to buy just those tubes. I opted to sell them with
the transmitter and let the new owner decide, since he'll be putting
it back on the air on 160.

The best part Larry, is - it's a free country, and capitalism is what
makes us great. You can do as you please with your property and no
honest person will mind. But it is worth mentioning those who use
these tubes as originally-intended, in the gear they originally were
designed for, purely for the enjoyment of preserving and enjoying the
history of on-air radio. Great tube audio came about many decades ago.
The phools are a more recent phenomenon.

~ Todd  KA1KAQ