minimal tube flashing - OK or not ?

[hamfist]

All tubes of one brand and type seem to vary as to the amount of flashing they have. Does this make much of a difference to the tube, either in it's performance (I suspect not) or its longevity (maybe ?). Just for example, - see this ebay listing - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320079419192&rd=1&rd=1 . The tube on the left has minimal flashing, although the seller claims it still tests very well. Would this be one to avoid or not.
Advice from those who know would be appreciated.

[Johnny Z]

Some minor flashing may be ok since the tube has to exchange electrons to do it's job and you would notice it more pushing it with higher gain. So it depends on if this is a grid leakage problem or not, it could cause the tube to become noisy such as a hiss or scrachy sound. Just because they say it test very well what does that really mean? And how is it being tested? A tube may test fine for shorts, grid emission and transconductance and still have a noisy fillament in real use. I wouldn't call that a good tube even if it test very well.

Is that $10 for both?

Buyer beware........

[rockon1]

I believe hes refering to the getter flashing not the tube actually flashing ar start up. I like the look of a "heathly" getter but I dont believe its essential for a good tube to "look" healthy. Heres some good reading on the subject. Talk of the getter is towards the bottom.

http://www.jacmusic.com/html/articles/ericbarbour/howavacuumtubeworks.html

[rockon1]

Is that $10 for both?


Well theres over a day left on the auction. Id be willing to bet they sell around 20-30$ maybe higher if bidding war goes on... FWIW ive bought quite a few of these tubes myself... I have more now though......http://i10.tinypic.com/2it359i.jpg

[Blue Strat]

Ocd? :)

[rockon1]

Ocd? :)


lol!,ummm yes I think so. I'm not even use them in any of my amps-at the moment. They sure are purdy though.In a year I ended up with over 600 12AX7's,5751's and a few 12AT7's....