RCA Tubes = Amperex Tubes ??

[Mach5]

So I bought an RCA 7025 from TubeDepot.com...

http://store.tubedepot.com/nos-7025-rca.html

They then send me an Amperex 12AX7A tube instead, with a note attached that says "This tube is the same as an RCA 7025. Notice 12AX7A USA mark."

Is this tube really the same thing? Did I get ripped off?

[mshilarious]

For $60 a pop, I think I'd want what was advertised. Although with generic US NOS 12AX7s selling at $35 each, I don't think that site has good deals, to say the least.

I just got tubes from this guy, very nice NOS tubes and good service:

www.radiotubesupply.com

You'll probably have to ask about brands though.

[Outlaws]

Originally Posted by Mach5

So I bought an RCA 7025 from TubeDepot.com...

http://store.tubedepot.com/nos-7025-rca.html

They then send me an Amperex 12AX7A tube instead, with a note attached that says "This tube is the same as an RCA 7025. Notice 12AX7A USA mark."

Is this tube really the same thing? Did I get ripped off?

Can you take a few pictures of your tube? Maybe post some of the info that is on it?

There is a lot of 'rebranding' of tubes.

I bought two RCA tubes from a local radio and guitar shop and one was labled 'GE', but the funny thing is....when I did some research, it turned out to be a rebranded Mullard.

Amperex is hardly a bad name in the tube world. Ever heard of Amperex Bugle Boy? And if I recall, they actually sold some Mullards as Amperex, but I could be wrong. -Maybe your Amperex is actually a Mullard.

Mullards, from what I have seen, have a "Made in Great Britan" with a 4 digit code under it. Amperex were made in Holland.

[Mach5]

I can't take a picture of it at the moment. However, it has orange writing on it that is really worn out. All I can make out is "Amperex" and then the globe logo.

Then in grey lettering it says "12AX7A" and "USA" above that. The box it came in is yellow and green and says "AMPEREX a north american philips company"

RCA.. Amperex.. Philips... I'm so confused..

[Outlaws]

Originally Posted by Mach5

I can't take a picture of it at the moment. However, it has orange writing on it that is really worn out. All I can make out is "Amperex" and then the globe logo.

Then in grey lettering it says "12AX7A" and "USA" above that. The box it came in is yellow and green and says "AMPEREX a north american philips company"

RCA.. Amperex.. Philips... I'm so confused..

Well, since Amperex was made in Holland, I would say you have a rebranded RCA tube. Is the "12AX7A USA" in the same style design as the RCA in the picture from tubesdepot?

Here is a brief piece on a few companies. They don't go too far, but I be a little more digging online will reveal that towards the end of some companies lifespans, they started to rebrand.

Amperex
http://www.vintagetubeservices.com/page9.html

RCA
http://www.vintagetubeservices.com/page14.html

[bongolation]

Originally Posted by Outlaws

And if I recall, they actually sold some Mullards as Amperex, but I could be wrong. -Maybe your Amperex is actually a Mullard.

Whatever it is, it isn't what he paid for.

That's the bottom line.

At that price, which I regard as outrageous, you have the expectation of getting EXACTLY what was advertised. No substitutions and no rebrands without your expressed permission beforehand, even if they are "the same" or "better." This is totally unacceptable. I would never do business with that guy again - and thanks for the warning!

Brands are often meaningless as a great deal of rebranding and even misbranding took place, but the correct brand for the correct tube bears a price premium, and rebrands are worth less in the NOS market. If you want to know what a European tube actually is, where it was made and when, you can read the small factory codes on the glass. The US used different codes.

As to the other question, some Blackburn Mullards are essentially identical to some Globe-era Amperexes as Amperex was making them on the same machinery in Hilversum in the Netherlands.

[soundchaser59]

Originally Posted by bongolation

Whatever it is, it isn't what he paid for.

That's the bottom line.

Exactly! And I will not buy tubes there again. I bought two, $15 tubes, and what I got was what I ordered, but I wont take any chances on a guy who does that to anyone.

Google here I come....