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 cannot comply with the requirements imposed by German regulations on electronic equipment, specifically the ElektroG (Elektro- und Elektronikgerätegesetz), which requires sellers of electronic components to register, manage collection, and ensure proper disposal. Therefore, we do not ship to Germany. However, we can ship to nearby countries or explore alternative solutions based on your needs.
Question: I live in the United States — will I have to pay import duties if I order from your store?
Answer: We would like to reassure you, the majority of the vacuum tubes we offer are of American origin, manufactured in the United States during the golden age of hi-fi. These items, when returning to their country of origin, may qualify for special customs treatment as “Made in USA returning goods.”
We prepare all the necessary documentation to make re-importation as smooth as possible, helping to reduce or eliminate any applicable import duties.
For further details, we invite you to read the following article:
👉 Our tubes aren’t imports. They’re American legends coming home
We remain at your full disposal for any questions before placing an order.
Question: If I purchase a product here and another from your eBay store, can I combine the shipping?
Answer: Certainly. Just contact us or mention it in the order notes at the time of purchase. We will refund the shipping cost 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: An item is missing from the package. What should we do?
Answer: To ensure quality and transparency, we record the preparation and sealing of all packages. This allows us to verify that every order is packed correctly and that all items shipped match the order details. In case of any issues or concerns, these recordings are used to clarify potential discrepancies and ensure a quick resolution.
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. All our products are carefully tested, including real-world trials on amplifiers in our possession, to minimize the risk of issues. However, if upon receipt you detect a defect that escaped our quality control, please contact us promptly.
Question: Can I have a phone number to contact you?
Answer: We do not provide phone support. All communications are handled exclusively via email or messaging. We appreciate your understanding and invite you to send us all your questions or requests; we will be happy to respond as quickly as possible.
Question: I live nearby, can I come and collect the products in person?
Answer: Our shop operates exclusively via mail order and is not open to the public. However, for customers residing within a 15 km radius, we offer a free delivery service, which must be arranged in advance. We will be pleased to accommodate your needs, subject to our working schedule.
Question: One product description says “Factory Selected for Low Noise & Microphonics” and another says “Selected for Low Noise & Microphonics”. Which one is truly Low Noise & Microphonics?
Answer: Both.
The colored marking on the top of the glass or on the base of the tubes was used by the manufacturer to indicate special selections and passed quality tests, confirming that the tubes met certain standards such as reliability, performance, Low Noise & Microphonics, etc. This was especially important for use in critical environments.
We repeat these tests in our own lab to verify and ensure the quality of the products we offer. Tubes that pass our Low Noise & Microphonics checks are always clearly stated as such in the title and/or product 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 listing title. If we have any doubt or if the tube has already been used, we do not use this designation. To learn more, we have written a brief article that may interest you.
📌 Billing and Tax Regime
Vacuum Tubes Treasures operates under the Italian flat-rate tax regime.
All sales are carried out under the flat-rate tax regime, pursuant to Article 1, paragraphs 54-89, of Law 190/2014.
VAT is not applicable to sales in Italy.
Since we operate under the flat-rate tax regime, VAT is not applied to sales within Italy, and issued invoices do not allow VAT deduction.
📌 If you need more information about invoicing, please contact us before placing an order.
Question: I see you also have used tubes. How long will they last in terms of hours?
Answer: NOS (New Old Stock) tubes, never used and properly stored, can offer extremely long lifespans — often exceeding those of modern productions. High-quality preamplifier tubes can easily reach up to 20,000 hours under ideal conditions, while rectifier and power tubes can last up to 10,000 and 5,000 hours respectively.
All used tubes we offer are thoroughly tested, and the results are listed in the product description to help estimate their remaining life. Each tube is carefully selected to ensure reliable and long-lasting performance.
Question: I see you also offer used tubes — are they a valid alternative to NOS?
Answer: While NOS (New Old Stock) tubes are unused and new, the used vacuum tubes we offer are an excellent alternative, thanks to the rigorous testing and selection process they undergo before being made available for sale. This ensures both quality and performance.
Several of our customers, who have taken part in blind listening tests, have found that the used tubes we provide deliver sonic performance indistinguishable from their NOS counterparts.
It is also worth noting that for many models, NOS examples are no longer available anywhere in the world. In such cases, used tubes often represent not only a valid alternative but the only way to source rare and valuable components.
In summary, used tubes can be considered a safe and reliable choice, with the assurance that every item is thoroughly tested to ensure top performance.
