Question: If I buy some tubes and don't like how they sound in my system, do you accept returns?
Answer: We would like to clarify that, as with a music CD that cannot be returned simply because the sound does not meet personal taste, we do not accept returns of valves for reasons of sound preference or "Tube Rolling". It is possible to request a return in case of second thoughts as provided for by the consumer code, only if the object has not been used and is in the conditions in which it was received, i.e. with the tamper-proof seal intact. We are at your complete disposal to offer you all the support you need before a possible purchase.
Request: Is shipping to Germany possible?
Answer: Currently, we cannot comply with the requirements of the German Electronic Equipment Act, in particular the ElektroG (Elektro- und Elektronikgerätegesetz) , which imposes registration, take-back and disposal obligations on sellers of electronic components. Therefore, we do not ship to Germany. However, we can ship to neighboring countries or consider alternative solutions based on your needs.
Question: I live in the United States, do I risk having to pay customs duties if I buy from you?
Answer: We want to reassure you, most of the thermionic valves we offer are of American origin, produced in the United States during the golden years of hi-fi. These items, if returned to their country of origin, can benefit from the customs treatment reserved for "Made in USA returned".
We have prepared all the necessary documentation to make re-importation as easy as possible, reducing or eliminating any customs charges.
For further details, please consult the following page:
👉 Our tubes aren't imports. They're American legends coming home
We are at your complete disposal for any clarification before purchasing.
Question: If I purchase a product here and one on your ebay store, can I combine shipping?
Answer: Of course, just contact us or indicate it in the notes at the time of purchase. We will refund the shipping costs of one of the two orders using the same payment method you used.
Question: What happens if the goods arrive damaged or the package is lost?
Answer: The goods travel well packaged and protected to face the journey safely. We have provided a complete insurance that protects the entire value of your products from any unforeseen events.
Question: An item is missing from the package, what should we do?
Answer: To ensure quality and transparency, we record the preparation and closing of all packages. This allows us to verify that each order is packaged correctly and that all items shipped correspond to what was indicated in the order. In case of reports or doubts, the records are used to clarify any misunderstandings and ensure a quick resolution.
Question: Why is Tracking not active? Have you shipped?
Answer: Sometimes there are initial delays in scanning. Please be patient for the first day or two if tracking has not yet activated. On Saturdays and public holidays, couriers do not collect. We ship the day after the sale if it occurred after 10:30 AM Italian time.
Request: The product arrived defective: can you replace it?
Answer: Of course. All products are carefully tested, including through real tests on amplifiers in our possession, to minimize the risk of inconvenience. If, upon receipt, you find a defect that was not detected during the checks, we invite you to contact us promptly to proceed with the replacement.
Question: Can I have a telephone number to contact you?
Answer: We do not provide telephone support. We handle all communication exclusively through email or messaging. We hope you can understand this organizational choice and we invite you to forward us all your questions or requests; we will be happy to answer you as soon as possible.
Request: I live nearby, can I come and collect the products personally?
Answer: Our shop operates exclusively through mail order and is not open to the public. However, for customers living within a radius of 15 km we offer a free delivery service, to be agreed upon in advance. We will be happy to meet your needs, compatible with our working hours.
Request: On one product description I read “Factory Selected for Low Noise & Microphonics” and on another I read “Selected for Low Noise & Microphonics”. Which one is really Low Noise & Microphonics?
Answer: Both.
The colored marker placed on the top of the glass or on the base of the tubes was used by the manufacturer to identify special selections and passed quality tests, indicating that the tubes met certain standards, such as reliability, performance, Low Noise & Microphonics, etc. This aspect was particularly relevant for applications in critical environments.
We repeat these tests in our laboratories to verify and guarantee the quality of the products offered. Tubes that pass our specific Low Noise & Microphonics tests are always marked as such in the listing title and/or description.
Question: How can I tell if a Vintage tube is new or used?
Answer: When we are absolutely certain that a tube has never been used, we indicate NOS or NOS NIB in the title of the listing. If we have even the slightest doubt or the tube has already been used, we do not use this wording. To learn more, we have written a short article that may be useful to you.
📌 Invoicing and Tax Regime
Vacuum Tubes Treasures operates on a flat rate basis.
All sales are made under a flat-rate regime, pursuant to art. 1, paragraphs 54-89, Law 190/2014.
VAT is not applicable on sales in Italy.
Since we operate under a flat-rate regime, VAT is not applied to sales made in Italy and the invoices issued do not allow VAT deduction.
📌 If you would like more information about billing, please contact us before placing an order.
Question: I see you also have used valves, how long will they last in terms of hours?
Answer: NOS (New Old Stock) tubes, never used and properly stored, can guarantee an extremely long life, often longer than that of modern production. Quality preamp tubes can easily reach 20,000 hours of use in ideal conditions, while rectifier and power tubes can reach 10,000 and 5,000 hours respectively.
Even the used valves we offer are carefully tested, and the results are reported in the description, to allow a reliable estimate of the remaining life. Each valve is carefully selected to ensure reliable and long-lasting performance.
Question: I see you also have used tubes but are they a valid alternative to NOS?
Answer: Although NOS (New Old Stock) tubes are new and never used, the used thermionic tubes we offer represent an excellent alternative, thanks to the rigorous checks and selections to which they are subjected before sale, in order to guarantee their quality and performance.
Some of our customers, who have made themselves available for blind listening tests, have found that our used tubes offer sonic performance indistinguishable from their NOS counterparts.
It should also be considered that, for many models, there are no longer any NOS examples available: in these cases, used valves represent not only a valid alternative, but often the only solution for finding components that are now rare and precious.
In short, you can consider used valves a safe and reliable alternative, with the certainty that each specimen is carefully tested to ensure maximum performance.
