Triode USA?

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Deric
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by Deric »

I've ordered from Triode a couple dozen times (transformers only - never ordered other parts from them). Always received what I ordered/paid for. They aren't fast so I plan accordingly. They were very helpful the one time I had a problem with a transformer and sent a replacement very quickly.

I will use them again.

I've ordered twice from Amp Parts Direct (transformers only). Once a couple (maybe more) years back when I first heard of them. Thought it might be quicker than Triode. 2 weeks after I placed the order I contacted them and was informed the parts I ordered were not in stock. Cancelled the order and ordered from Triode. The second time was just a couple of weeks ago. Needed a transformer in a hurry for a customer so I decided to give them another shot. Placed the order - shipped within a couple of days - received within a week (maybe less).

I will most likely use them again too.

8)
Deric®
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davidjon_99
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by davidjon_99 »

jam-mill wrote: I'm from the 'boomer' generation and don't need instant gratification or constant updates. A simple affirmation of receipt of the order and a subsequent ship notification are sufficient. Regardless, additional communication is appreciated when the situation warrants it (delayed order, etc).
I'm pretty much the same when it comes to orders I place. Had they let me know that some of my order was on back order, or simply communicated with me at even the most minimal level I would have been fine with that.

I, in no way, expect an update every 5 minutes as someone absurdly implied in a previous post. Of course, some people feel they need to exaggerate thinking that will prove their point. What I do expect is a minimal level of customer service when I've spent ~$400 at a company. That might not be a lot of money to some, but I happen to believe it is. Sending out a shipment notice weeks before something ships (not 5 minutes before it ships, not a day or two before it ships) is pretty sad. I thought the stuff was lost in transit and contacted Triode to see if they actually had shipped the package. That was after I contacted the USPS and they told me the package had not entered their system yet.

I, personally, will not buy from Triode again. There are plenty of other companies that sell the same things and provide at least a minimal level of customer service.

As they say, your mileage may vary. If you want to buy from them, then more power to you and I truly hope your experience with them is pleasant.

I'm simply sharing my experience so others are more informed before they place an order with Triode. Those who accuse me of being impatient know nothing about me.
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davidjon_99
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by davidjon_99 »

jelle wrote:My understanding with Triode is that they pack well, and that they may not have all in stock when the order is placed. They will inform you via automated system that order came in. At some point in time, the parts are shipped. The end.

Could be better, but given the margins, it is what it is, and it works for me. :D

If you can do better, I am all ears, where do I order?!

jelle
Tube Depot is my current favorite. They have competitive pricing and good shipping rates. Bought a matched set of El84's, buss wire, 5 knobs and some electrolytic caps on Tuesday. The shipping cost was $2.50 (first class USPS with tracking) and it shipped the same day. I should get the package on Friday or Saturday.
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jelle
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by jelle »

That sounds nice.

I have had one customer send me a matched set of tubes from Tube Depot recently. It had one number per tube written on the box. Which got me curious: is this the static current or gm? I inquired, and I was informed that it was the static current. No measurement was done for gm, and they were unable to provide me with the gm number for the products.

Unfortunately, not only DC numbers, but AC numbers are important as well. especially in a push pull system like 99% of the tube amps out there that these matched set of tubes are sold for.

The Dynaco A-470 that I got from Triode actually did get used in the project. Kick ass transformer, I'll use it more often. :D
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davidjon_99
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by davidjon_99 »

jelle wrote:That sounds nice.

I have had one customer send me a matched set of tubes from Tube Depot recently. It had one number per tube written on the box. Which got me curious: is this the static current or gm? I inquired, and I was informed that it was the static current. No measurement was done for gm, and they were unable to provide me with the gm number for the products.

Unfortunately, not only DC numbers, but AC numbers are important as well. especially in a push pull system like 99% of the tube amps out there that these matched set of tubes are sold for.

The Dynaco A-470 that I got from Triode actually did get used in the project. Kick ass transformer, I'll use it more often. :D
Interesting. This is the first set of matched tubes I've bought from them. I bought a 12ax7, a 6v6 and a 5y3 from them for a 5f1 amp I built while waiting for all the parts for the Triode 5e3 kit to arrive.

Where do you normally buy your matched power tubes from?
telentubes
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by telentubes »

I placed my order at Triode on 4/30. The 4 transformers arrived on 5/18. Luckily, I'm not in a hurry, as I'll be collecting parts for a while on this next project.
I too thought that my order was lost in the mail, having gotten a notice that it had shipped, and contacted them after about a week had passed. I got an immediate response and apology.
I'm O.K. with this for the most part, and will shop with them again, providing I'm not in a hurry. The heavy transformers were well packed and arrived in good shape.
Another shout out to Parts Express for speedy delivery. And especially to McMaster-Carr, where it's not uncommon to get parts the day after they are ordered!
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M Fowler
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by M Fowler »

I'll continue to use Triode no problem I'm slow so it works out well for me.

I've used many of Triode's Dynaclone A-470 OT's and they are very nice.
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davidjon_99
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by davidjon_99 »

telentubes wrote:I placed my order at Triode on 4/30. The 4 transformers arrived on 5/18. Luckily, I'm not in a hurry, as I'll be collecting parts for a while on this next project.
I too thought that my order was lost in the mail, having gotten a notice that it had shipped, and contacted them after about a week had passed. I got an immediate response and apology.
I'm O.K. with this for the most part, and will shop with them again, providing I'm not in a hurry. The heavy transformers were well packed and arrived in good shape.
Another shout out to Parts Express for speedy delivery. And especially to McMaster-Carr, where it's not uncommon to get parts the day after they are ordered!
I do have to hand it to them, they do pack things very well. The transformers they sent me were packed in about 6 layers of padding and cardboard. I was pleased with that.

I've had good experiences with Parts Express. I've not used McMaster-Carr yet, but will take a look at what they've got.
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Leo_Gnardo
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by Leo_Gnardo »

jelle wrote:It had one number per tube written on the box. Which got me curious: is this the static current or gm? I inquired, and I was informed that it was the static current. No measurement was done for gm, and they were unable to provide me with the gm number for the products.
Antique provide emission and gain readings. An even closer match with tubes from Ruby/MagicParts but they sell only to businesses. One good way around this: Doug's Tubes. One of my customers recently brought me a set of Ruby matched tubes he sourced from Doug's Tubes on Long Island. Apparently Doug re-tests Ruby's on arrival. And everything else too. Lots of other brand tubes available from Doug - worth a try. And his prices look reasonable. Should be fast shipping from LI to NJ.
down technical blind alleys . . .
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jelle
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by jelle »

Thanks! I mainly order tubes through CeDist. They have been a pleasure to work with.

The outlet for the public is Tubesandmore.com.
telentubes
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by telentubes »

Mark Fowler "slow"? Tell us another. Not heard of many that can scratch build an ODS in a weekend.
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Structo
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by Structo »

Dougs Tubes also burn in their tubes before rating and matching.

Haven't had a bad tube from them ever.
Tom

Don't let that smoke out!
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M Fowler
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by M Fowler »

telentubes wrote:Mark Fowler "slow"? Tell us another. Not heard of many that can scratch build an ODS in a weekend.
:lol: Yeah but those days are over for me, now days I don't work on amps maybe 1 day in 2 week period. My brain is cloudy and Art (arthritis) has me bound up; but I enjoy my grandkids a lot. :lol:

Mark
Bob S
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by Bob S »

Sorry to hear that Mark. He's knocking on my door too.
We call him Arthur.
Hence Arthuritus.
:lol:
Why Aye Man
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M Fowler
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Re: Triode USA?

Post by M Fowler »

Bob S wrote:Sorry to hear that Mark. He's knocking on my door too.
We call him Arthur.
Hence Arthuritus.
:lol:
Yeah we called it Arthur too :lol:

I was reading last night about Alex Lifeson's arthritis. https://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2 ... our-career
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