I think the best solution is to just have two 4-pin adapters (one to 1/8, one to quarter) rather than use an adapter on an adapter. I mean really, how often would you use something like this anyway?
Not sure if anyone is looking but this seems like a decent deal.
STAX SR-007 Omega-II Electrostatic Headphones - Used - - eBay (item 220254406289 end time Jul-17-08 02:15:04 PDT)
Depending on how it breaks down it might actually be better to have the boards sent to someone in the US who could then send you your set and forward along the others saving an unnecessary trans-Atlantic trip. Just a thought.
Oh, a wise guy eh? I sent you a Duet cable once, and you promptly broke it! It's been repaired and upgraded and should be departing shortly.
Indra, glad to hear that you're happy with the cable.
All the vendors that I use double test their tubes before shipment and offer some meaningful DOA warranty. Of course, I also test all my own tubes prior to use as well.
I'm sure there are examples of when it's worth paying for and worthwhile in general but I think the basic idea is that unless the vendor is working closely with the buyer and the buyer is also knowledgeable that more often than not it's wasted $$.
It's funny you'd say that, I've had more than one tube vendor tell me not to bother matching tubes because of the inherent non-linear behavior and the fact that they would be matching them at vastly different operating points compared to my application.
It's my understanding that it's highly unlikely that a tube tester is testing the tubes at the same voltage levels experienced while the tube is in use.
Try this link if you want to read the article that Reks linked to.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/nyregion/30bodies.html?scp=9&sq=bodies&st=cse
and if that doesn't work try logging into the Times site with:
username: mrfixit5
password: mrfixit
And Reks, that does make me feel quite a bit different about the exhibit as well.