Lately i'm seeing lots of supposedly NOS Tesla E88CC's sold on eBay. Many are faked from Tesla PC88, ECC88, JJ E88CC, probably others too. The rest look like real silver pin Tesla E88CC with black shield, some are gold grid version. I find it strange such tubes used to cost around 50eur not long ago but now go for 20eur or so. Is some company faking new production by adding black shield, or prices went down because EH E88CC and some other new production tubes work so well?
I did pretty extensive tests with real NOS Tesla E88CC of two types vs EH E88CC showing new production are being made really well, they tend to sound very good and last years even at around max dissipation and voltages.
I did pretty extensive tests with real NOS Tesla E88CC of two types vs EH E88CC showing new production are being made really well, they tend to sound very good and last years even at around max dissipation and voltages.
eBay tubes are a bit of a gamble at the best of times. Pay a bit more from a reliable dealer.
These are the real deal:
https://www.thetubestore.com/tesla-ecc88-6dj8
These are the real deal:
https://www.thetubestore.com/tesla-ecc88-6dj8
Yes, it is worth paying a little more for good product, some sellers offer selecting of new production which is very consistent compared to NOS anyway. My conclusion is that people realised new production is very good this days, they don't want to spend much more for NOS. Many circuits use feedback where differences are weed out, especially microphonics are better with new production.
I think NOS makes sense where new production doesn't exists yet, the rest is fashion or collecting. Those who were in charge of tube's mechanical design didn't think they will be in stock for over 50 years and then used as new, this could be reason for often high microphonics in small signal receiving tubes.