NOS tubes, how do you know they are not fake

[thefatcyclist]

I need a set of power tubes and a CV 4024 for my Biacrown, there seems to be too many available to my brain on EBay etc, how can I avoid buying a fake?
I know some of the tricks.
The pins should be darkened unless gold.
The glass seam should be a single line and not a cross.
Do I avoid anything in a white box.

Any other tips????? apart from use your ears, when of course it is too late.

been covered before, the CV 4024, will any brand smooth the gain and push the sound towards the Hylight tone?

I presume the power tubes are open to taste.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

email me links and I will give you my opinion, and I will not try to buy them first.

for 12axy/ecc83 I prefer I61 , I63 and CV4004 Mullards for V1
Brimar made some great valves, but the Brimar CV4004 and ecc83 are higher gain and definitely what you don't want in a Biacrown.

You can save money if you try used but test new or almost new. Mullard ecc83's can last a long time, and having one that is just less than full strength isn't a bad thing in your amp.

[thefatcyclist]

cheers.
C