6BM8 (or similar) availability?

[Cliff Schecht]

Does anybody currently make a 6BM8? Googling around has shown a lot of confusion over whether anyone is still producing these. I'm trying to develop a product around this tube but I've been hesitant to pursue this itavenue without a guaranteed supply of the most essential item in the amplifier.

[tubeswell]

http://audioportal.su/tubes/svetlana/do ... s/6BM8.php

http://thetubestore.com/ehx6bm8.html

[Cliff Schecht]

Where can I get the Svetlana's from? Aren't most of the 6F3P's from this factory? I know that those go for CHEAP: http://www.tubes-store.com/product_info ... ucts_id=83

I thought the EHX were "out of production". Perhaps I'm thinking of
the Sovtek ones that Tube Depot was selling. How about if I wanted to purchase 100+ tubes? $15+ per tube is too much.. I could always use the 6F3P's while they are available and switch to the EHX if the 6F3P sources dry up.

[VacuumVoodoo]

NOS ECL82 is a better choice even at premium price.

[tmod]

Where can I get the Svetlana's from? Aren't most of the 6F3P's from this factory? I know that those go for CHEAP: http://www.tubes-store.com/product_info ... ucts_id=83

I thought the EHX were "out of production". Perhaps I'm thinking of
the Sovtek ones that Tube Depot was selling. How about if I wanted to purchase 100+ tubes? $15+ per tube is too much.. I could always use the 6F3P's while they are available and switch to the EHX if the 6F3P sources dry up.

I'm pretty certain the EH and Svetlanas are just 6F3Ps. There is a Svetlana factory, but the Svetlana tubes sold abroad is just a brand name from New Sensor/Sovtek. Most of the Russian made tubes seem to be rebranded Soviet types, sometimes with different heater arrangements (12ax7 vs 6N2P heater).

By the way I'd buy the NOS Soviet versions through eBay. For $18 you'd get 4, and I don't think the $17 a pop price tag can be justified, even if they are screened! Buy 10 at a time, and even if you get a dud or two your set for a looooong time! Also, the -e or -ev tubes are military equivalents, and should last forever...