[AMPS] Used 4-1000 Tubes

[ToddRoberts2001@aol.com]

I am fairly new to tube amplifier building. A year ago I decided I would like 
to build an HF amplifier using one or two 4-1000 tubes. In the past year I 
have picked up 5 used 4-1000 tubes. 3 out of the 5 tubes were "bad". A nearby 
friend offered the use of his amp to check the tubes. 2 had nearly zero 
emission and one lit up like a giant VR tube when voltage was applied. (I am 
working on building a Hipot tester!) Luckily most of the sellers cheerfully 
refunded my money when told what happened. I don't know if my experience was 
unique but it would seem to indicate that there are an awful lot of "bad" 
used 4-1000 tubes floating around out there. I wonder if any other builders 
have had similar experiences? I know it is tempting to "save some money" on a 
used tube but If I had to do it over again I would probably try and save 
enough money to buy a certified new tube. For about the same cost though one 
could buy a new 8877 at current prices. I would guess that for the most 
watts-per-dollar a couple of new 3-500z's would give the most bang for the 
buck? Thanks for any comments. Todd Roberts

--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/amps
Submissions:              amps@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  amps-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-amps@contesting.com