[R-390] "Fake" 12AX7 tubes on e*pay

[Tim Shoppa]

> Reputable dealers like Triode Electronics in Chicago sell russian and east
> european new tubes that are excellent.  I think some negative comments
> made by some to the contrary are old wives tales.

I have many "Tesla"/"JJ" (E European) 12AU7A's (actually labeled ECC82, I always
thought ECC82 equals 12AU7A's but seeing the subject line maybe you don't
think so) and several have already failed with cathode-to-heater
shorts in the past couple years. Maybe 30% failure rate. That is not
"excellent" in my book, to me it indicates less-than-stellar manufacturing.

It's pretty obvious (from the massive amounts of hum) when the short happens.

Maybe I just got a bad batch. And my batch was only 20 tubes. So discount
my experience if you wish.

I have bought batches of surplus JAN tubes (typically 60's/70's/early 80's)
as well and have not experienced this problem with them.

Tim.