From: spica@verizon.net   
      
   Hi all. I have a pair of RCA VT 229's that although I was assured that they   
   measure   
   strong (gas, mutualconductance etc.), the black plates appear to be somewhat   
   stripped rather than smooth.  Also, one of the tubes has a halo appearance in   
   the flash.   
      
   Would I be playing with fire installing these in my power amp? I fear a   
   potential   
   breakdown under load in a circuit. Thanks in advance.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)