Where to find 212E tubes???

[djn]

I would like to replace my GM70 tubes with 212E tubes but they seem to be hard to find. I picked up an outboard filly power supply that will work nicly. So any suggestions where to find these tubes>

[bear]

You will need one of two things.

- a time machine that takes you back to the Western Electric factory some time around WWII, maybe a little before or after...

- a pile of "dead presidents" and a person who wants to sell their 212E tubes.

Think that about sums it up...

_-_-bear

[kevinkr]

And if you do succeed and find some NOS, better hope they are not gassy - I've yet to run across even one good NOS example of this tube. (Of a half dozen or so I have tested for others) Install them untested and they can DESTROY your amp.. It would be a spectacular show while it lasted..

Why not just invest in a pair of nice exotic metal plate GM70 instead?

[djn]

Yeah I am finding out that this is an impractical venture. I have all the bits to finish my GM70 amp and thougth at the last minute to switch to the 212E as I am now in possession of a really cool off board power supply that will handle them.

Oh well, back to plan "A". I'll keep the filly power supply on the shelve just in case.

[kevinkr]

Originally Posted by djn

Yeah I am finding out that this is an impractical venture. I have all the bits to finish my GM70 amp and thougth at the last minute to switch to the 212E as I am now in possession of a really cool off board power supply that will handle them.

Oh well, back to plan "A". I'll keep the filly power supply on the shelve just in case.

I went through much the same thing before building my GM70 amps which are still unfortunately awaiting the completion of their PSUs. IMO You'll never find a good, affordable pair of 212E, but there are still several metal plate variants of the GM70 that are reputedly pretty good and are relatively reasonably priced compared to the 212E or even most better 300B..

[djn]

I did find some 212E at tube depot, but man....1600 for one tube is out of my price range and reasonableness range. I agree with the copper plate GM70. They would be a great improvement. I have a pair of good ceramics already.

Here are pix of the filly power supply. two legs of 24v 6a. pure DC!!! If nothing else, it will look good on the mantal.

[Unison845]

Yes, these WE 212 are expensive, I have seen a single went for $2500 not too long ago. I have built a pr of amp that used these. I plan ahead, so these amp can use 7 different output tubes in case the 212 are not available, simply by changing the tubes sockets , heater voltage and bias. Here it is:

Originally Posted by djn

I did find some 212E at tube depot, but man....1600 for one tube is out of my price range and reasonableness range. I agree with the copper plate GM70. They would be a great improvement. I have a pair of good ceramics already.

Here are pix of the filly power supply. two legs of 24v 6a. pure DC!!! If nothing else, it will look good on the mantal.

[FullRangeMan]

In the 2005/06 years WesternElectric itself return made 300B and 212E for some time, just for the money as the prices were premium...

WE site offer at the time 212E at 2K dollars each, but also there is a English version I forget the code name.

And WE 300B price were 550 Obamas each...Gulp !!

I much prefer instead GM70 grafite plate or 805 Shuguang.
Good Luck, Gustavo

[FullRangeMan]

Looks the English version are the 4212E as listed on TubeDepot at $1699 each

4212E / 212E

[djn]

Yep, I think the 212E is too rich for my blood. It is a good looking tube, but the GM70 will do just fine. I will keep my eye out for a pair of copper plate GM70 as an upgrade in the future.