F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions

Question: If I purchase some tubes and don't like how they sound in my system, do you accept returns?

Answer: We would like to clarify that, just like a music CD cannot be returned simply because the sound doesn't match personal taste, we do not accept tube returns due to sound preference or "Tube Rolling." It is possible to request a return in case of a change of mind, as per consumer regulations, but only if the item has not been used and is in the condition it was received, with the tamper-evident seal intact. We are fully available to offer you all the support you need before any potential purchase.

Question: Is it possible to ship to Germany?

Answer: At the moment, we are unable to meet the requirements to comply with the new German packaging regulations, and therefore, we no longer ship to Germany. However, we would be happy to send your package to a nearby country or make alternative suitable arrangements.

Question: If I purchase a product here and another from your eBay store, can I combine the shipping?

Answer: Certainly, just write to us or specify it in the notes at the time of purchase, and we will refund the shipping costs for one of the two orders using the same payment method you used.

Question: What happens if the goods arrive damaged or the package gets lost?

Answer: The goods are well packed and protected to ensure safe transit, and we have added full insurance to cover the entire value of your products against unforeseen events.

Question: Why is the tracking not active? Have you shipped?

Answer: Sometimes, there are initial delays in scanning. Please be patient for a day or two if the tracking hasn’t yet been activated. On Saturdays and public holidays, couriers do not pick up goods. We ship the day after the sale if it occurred after 10:30 AM Italian time.

Question: The product arrived defective. Can you replace it?

Answer: Certainly. The products are tested, including real trials on the amplifiers we have, to avoid unpleasant events. However, if upon receipt you find a defective product that slipped through quality control, please contact us. You can return the merchandise, and we will offer a replacement product and a refund for the return shipping costs. If the replacement product is no longer available, you will receive store credit of equal value. If the product is not found to be defective, the shipping costs will be at your expense.

Question: I can't find what I need. Can I have a phone number to check availability?

Answer: While we fully understand your needs, many people ask for a phone number. In the past, we tried the phone contact route, but the situation soon became unmanageable. We reserve phone contact for truly urgent cases, while we handle all other communications via email or messaging. We hope you understand. Feel free to send us your questions or requests, and we will be happy to respond as soon as possible.

Question: I live nearby. Can I come to pick up the products in person?

Answer: Our shop exclusively sells by mail order. However, for customers residing within 15 km, we offer a free delivery service, which must be arranged in advance.

Question: I see on one product description “Factory Selected for Low Noise & Microphonics” and on another “Selected for Low Noise & Microphonics”. Which one is really Low Noise & Microphonics?

Answer: Both.

The colored marker on the top of the glass or the base of the tubes was used by the manufacturer to identify special selections and quality testing, indicating that the tubes met specific selection standards, such as reliability, performance, Low Noise & Microphonics, etc. This was important for buyers, especially for use in critical environments.

We repeat this test to verify and ensure the quality of our products. We always test the tubes for Low Noise & Microphonics, and when we find them, we mention it in the listing title and/or description.

Question: How can I tell if a tube is new or used?

Answer: When we are absolutely certain that the tube is new, we label it as NOS or NOS NIB in the listing title. If we have any doubts or the tube has already seen some use, we do not label it as such. To learn more, we have written a brief article that may interest you.

Question: I see you also have used tubes. How long will they last in terms of hours?

Answer: Vintage tubes, due to superior construction quality, not only have better sound but also longer longevity. Preamp tubes, for example, can easily reach 100,000 hours, rectifiers 40,000 hours of operational life, and power tubes 10,000 hours—a remarkable lifespan for a tube. This extraordinary longevity is a testament to superior craftsmanship and quality. To estimate the remaining life, you can look at the product description and make a quick calculation based on the data provided.

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 tubes we offer are an excellent alternative, thanks to the rigorous checks and selections they undergo before being sold to ensure quality and performance. Some of our customers who participated in "blind tests" found that the used tubes we offer provide the same sound performance as their NOS counterparts. Finally, keep in mind that many items are no longer available anywhere except through used samples, making them not only a valid alternative but often the only possible solution for sourcing rare and valuable components. In short, you can consider used tubes a safe alternative, with the certainty that each product has been verified to ensure maximum performance.