How do you know when to replace tubes


I recently purchased the Audio research Anniversary reference
The unit has 2600 hours on the tubes.The manual states replace the power supply tubes after 2000 hours.Do you indeed have to replace the tubes even if the sound is good.Another question is tube rolling enhance the sound .As an aside the Audio Research replaced the Einstein Tube pre amp noticeable improvement to the sound ,mainly the lower mid range and bass.
ramy

Showing 3 responses by ejman

Wolf, Why did you go for the KT 150's instead of just replacing the KT 120's? Double the $$ double the pleasure?
So da big question is should I go with 120's or 150's when I replace the original Tungsol 6550 on my Jolida 502 p? I have about 1500 hours on them I would guess.

The cheapest price I see on ebay for 4 kt150 is about $130 more for a set of 4 than kt 120's. You got a hell of a deal.
Good point Atmasphere. Wolf did you check with Jolida re using KT150's @ the 502 p amp?