Oh interesting, I thought most people claim a NOS 5998 as being the best in the Crack. I really don’t know much about tube rolling the Crack yet, but I see that get mentioned countless times.
No way in hell haha. That’s a rabbit hole.
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The 5998 is nice, but can’t hang with the Bendix 6080wb, when it comes to impact and seperation. My second favorite and first power tube I used was the 5998 and I still own a pair of those, but ever since I got my Bendix 6080wb, the 5998 have been collecting dust. This is all to say, that everyone has there favorites and synergy with your own gear and ears, is what is important.
The 5998 is a little light in the bass, and bright to me compared to the Bendix, but it is a really nice power tube when paired with a warmer driver tube.
If you do a search for the Bendix 6080wb slotted plate, you will see how revered that tube is.
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$350 AUD per tube 
Don’t do that to me.
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OMG that IMO is really close to insanity…I like spending money on audio stuff but I always look for deals and $350 for a tube is not a deal to me…
This whole NOS tube thing over the past few years has really gone way overboard…but if you want them this is what you pay…and yes I do pay as well…but not quite as much…
I remember was Doc at BH stated time and time again, its not the tube but the circuit its in that has the most affect on the outcome…
This is indeed a crazy hobby eh?
:>)
Alex
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Tellin’ me.
Getting the crack and extra tubes for $650. Will run them for a while and see how I like it overall.
The Lyr 3 still appeals, because I can run everything from it, just no-one has the things in Aus or selling them.
I am not knocking the NOS tube adventure but I will tell you that with the stock tubes BH sends out you will have a wonderful listening experience…just with them!
Enjoy the music!
Alex
Fk the music. We’re here for precision and minor timbre differences…wait up…
Its a fairly big piece of kit too, guess its spaced out to make it easy to build.
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They can be found cheaper, if you are patient.
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The NOS stock tubes are not nearly as good, compared to some of the better NOS tubes that I mentioned.
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Well you build it on the top plate so its pretty well in the open…its a pretty simple kit…and the instructions are very good.
If you dont rush and read all the instructions, cut the wires to exact lengths and solder well, (strip, crimp and solder) the amp should work first time.
Some folks that have no real knowledge of conductivity will have leads of components close or touching each other etc…the diodes in the terminal strip.
Also the 12AU7 socket there are little bias leds that are fragile and if not strain relieved will fracture or break when wiggling in and out tubes later on…
If well soldered the amp will last for years…
Alex
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@Wes_S knows his tubes! I’ve followed his recommendations and the Bendix 6080wb + Amperex 7316 long plate foil D getter can’t be beat! The Western Electric 421A ties the Bendix 6080wb for my favorite power tube. It’s more neutral/brighter, but also more airy and open with better layering, instrument separation, excellent bass extension. The Tung Sol 5998 is a similar sound but not quite as good, I’d say its about 95% of the WE421a for half the price or less. If you are looking for bass, the Bendix is the way to go 
Don’t spend $350 on any of these tubes. If you’re looking for bang-for-your-buck, the Chatham or Tung Sol 6080WB with solid graphite plates was made in the Bendix factory and sounds nearly identical to the slotted plate version with the Bendix label. I have several of both and honestly can’t tell the difference. They can be found for about half the price… this auction just ended: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-CHATHAM-ELEC-TUNG-SOL-VACUUM-TUBE-JAN-CAHG-6080WB/164118423908
I’ve found this guide to be pretty helpful with getting started with output tube rolling: http://the-key.enix.org/~krystal/review-tube-bottlehead.html
Let us know what you think of the crack! Any happy to help more with tube rolling when you’re ready
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Check out this ad for Bendix tubes in the 1957 issue of Electronics magazine. Apparently the 6080WB was used in ICBM guidance systems, so a little overengineered for your desktop amp 
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Cool stuff! I love looking at those old ads.
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I was 8 years old in 1957!! IGY year…
My mother was born in 1957 
Side note: Person I was to buy crack off just got back to Aus and is in 14 day self quarantine. So the wait continues.
Ha!
When I said that I grew up with all these now NOS tubes I really meant it!! LOL
There were tube testers in every corner drugstore and I loved twisting the knobs!! and driving the adults nuts!!
Look at us now!!
I do research on the Battleship USS North Carolina in fire control and I am surrounded by REAL nos tubes in lots of WWii gear, radios, radar, etc…and lots of NOS tubes still in their original 1930/1940 still sealed white boxes…
drool everytime I go to the ship!!
:>)
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And now you’re on a FBI list.
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What would the FBI want with a simple drug dealing audiophile?
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Start smuggling in Abyss 1266 units, hidden in block of cocaine.
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