[Peter Wieck]

Some years ago, I acquired a Scott LK150 amp - which came to me equipped with purportedly NEW Chinese 5AR4s. I did not even test the amp with those tubes in place - they were immediately replaced with a pair of GEs from my stock. Meanwhile, the Chinese tubes have been sitting in my junk-box for the last eight (8) years.

Yesterday, I had a bit of time, and the big Hickok was out for other reasons, so I decided I would test the tubes.

The first one immediately smoked its filament. The second one, after about 20 minutes, melted into a mess - almost cartoon-like. Everything inside the glass is tilted or rippled. The second one tested marginal before the melt, by the way.

Had they been in the Scott (or any amp), the consequences could have been nasty.

Friends don't let friends use Chinese Tubes.


Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA