Author Topic: Valves, where from? Haarguitars, Hotroxuk, Watford. (Read 14571 times)

math2014 · « **on:** January 30, 2006, 08:51:34 PM »

Hi all,

Ok so after lots of help from members here, i realized that a valve change is due (crackling popping and a wish for a change in tone).

My question is obviously "where from?"

Watford is the most expensive by far
Hotrox has the best UK pricing
Haarguitars.nl beats them all by far.

I was wondering if you had any dealings and if you can make some recommendations.

BTW i am thinking about JJs ECC83S or ECC803S or Tungsol 12AX7 Reissue for the pre-amp (chime in please for suggestions as of which one should go where in V1,2,3,4) , and JJ EL84s .

Thanks in advance for the "as usual" helpfull advice,

Yannis

tewboss · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2006, 09:28:58 PM »

I bought mine directly from Tube Amp Doctor. They might not be the cheapest but are the business. Andreas was really helpful as well.

Hotrox are really quick at shipping.

math2014 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2006, 09:31:15 PM »

Quote from: tewboss

I bought mine directly from Tube Amp Doctor. They might not be the cheapest but are the business. Andreas was really helpful as well.

Hotrox are really quick at shipping.

fair point, but i want to avoid TAD tubes... i got them in and dont like them (especially the EL84 ones)

tewboss · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2006, 09:43:34 PM »

have a look at JJ tubes then. the coloured ones are supposed to be a gimic but their tubes are really well respected.

The current Tungol tubes are produced by New Sensor (Electro Harmonix's parent company), as are the new Mullards.

I'm really pleased with my TAD valves which rebadge Sovtek and Shugulang valves where as JJ are the actual manufacturer. Both Watford and Hotrox sell JJ's. Eurotubes are supposed to be very good in the US.

math2014 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2006, 09:48:53 PM »

Quote from: tewboss

have a look at JJ tubes then. the coloured ones are supposed to be a gimic but their tubes are really well respected.

The current Tungol tubes are produced by New Sensor (Electro Harmonix's parent company), as are the new Mullards.

I'm really pleased with my TAD valves which rebadge Sovtek and Shugulang valves where as JJ are the actual manufacturer. Both Watford and Hotrox sell JJ's. Eurotubes are supposed to be very good in the US.

Any reason why Watford is 20% more expensive than Hotrox? Coz i think i ll shoot for hotrox.

froglord · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2006, 09:53:27 PM »

Watford Valves have a very good reputation, although I confess I haven't ordered from them yet (soon, soon!)

Also, their power valves are generally cheaper than hotroxuk.

tewboss · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2006, 09:55:00 PM »

Not sure but I've never bought valves from either. I'm not sure what their matching services are like so that might explain the price different perhaps.

math2014 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2006, 10:03:35 PM »

hmm Hotrox is 1-3GBP cheaper VAT inclusive, whereas watford is VAT exclusive :shock:

Is hotrox reliable for testing etc or i am running a risk of dud valves, whereas watford is guaranteed?

tewboss · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2006, 10:08:42 PM »

I've certainly not heard any bad things about Hotrox. They seem to be cheaper for everything - look at the EH pedals for example, so the price different might only be a benefit.

Skybone · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2006, 11:34:21 PM »

I've bought all my replacement valves from HotRox, and quite a few other bits as well...

I've always found them to be spot on price wise, friendly on the phone, quick delivery, and just a general, all round good service really. Can't fault them. Their prices for EHX pedals can't be beat... IMO.

I ordered 6 12AX7's once, and was only sent 5, rang them up, they apologized & promised it was going out that day, I received No.6 the next day...

I think Watford's charge more because they do have all the testing rigs etc, and do undertake a lot of testing/burning in/matching on site, as well as carrying a huge range of different valves.

froglord · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2006, 09:17:23 AM »

Quote from: math2014

hmm Hotrox is 1-3GBP cheaper VAT inclusive, whereas watford is VAT exclusive :shock:

Oops, I didn't factor in the VAT. Sorry, guys! :oops:

_tom_ · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2006, 09:43:32 AM »

I've only ever ordered from Hot Rox UK out of the ones you asked about and they were great, helpful on the phone and very quick postage. Another good one I've used in the past was http://www.tube-shop.com/uk/home.asp, very quick and I dont think the prices are that bad.

HJM · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2006, 11:36:27 AM »

watford do a lot of excellent testing....hotrox do test but not to the same level.

KCA NOS tubes in the states are good, as is Lord Valve - they're pretty good price wise for NOS. Tubestore.com are very quick too.

indysmith · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2006, 11:42:08 AM »

i ordered some valves from watford, and it took them about a week to come, and when they did, they were broken - huge squealing microphonics. he sent me some new ones free or charge, but still! two weeks for some poorly-packed valves. I've had better experiences with hotrox...

HJM · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2006, 11:54:56 AM »

Other way round for me - three times!