Buying new valves

All valves are not made equal! Even different valves from the same manufacturer can vary. Valves can make a significant difference to the sound of your amplifier. Many people have their own favorite valves

Many valves have different names or there are valves with equivalent properties made by different manufactures.

You can check for equivalent valves at sites such as

We stock original make EL34, KT88, 300B valves.

UK sites

USA sites

Some info on tube combinations that work well with a standard SE88I amplifier from Richard Bridges

Using a matched pair of re-issued Gold Lion KT88 valves the combinations of the following 12AX7 and matched pairs of 12AU7 valves seem to give the following results. These observations are purely personal taste and might be different for others. The Gold Lion KT88 valves seem to increase the sonic range. IE more bass while retaining the highs of the standard valves.

-Brimar Cartoon logo 1960's 12AX7 and a pair of Valvo (Holland) 12AU7. This gives a very slightly warm presentation with an open air. Vocals are a bit recessed and instruments seem to be more forward. It is not the best sounding combination to my ear.

-Telefunken long ribbed plate 12AX7 with a pair of Mullard long ribbed plate 12AU7 give real 3D imaging. Great vocals, great detail, good highs. Very slightly warm mids. This is a really nice combination.

-Telefunken smooth plate with Mullard long or normal ribbed plate 12AU7. More detail in the highs, great 3D imaging. Great vocals and very slightly warm mids. This is my personal preference.

-Telefunken smooth plate 12AX7 with RCA 5814A (black black plates double mica 1970's red logo). Nice detail, quite a crisp presentation, good bass, decent mids. Highs do not extend quite as much compared to the Mullards. Note "die off" is shorter. Perhaps a longer burn in time would improve this. Overall an nice combination.

-Telefunken smooth plate 12AX7 with RCA clear top, grey plates, double mica and square getter 12AX7A. Very similar to the RCA 5814A but warmer mids and highs extend a bit more. This is a nice combination and good value if you hunt around on eBay.