2. amps-preamps
  3. 148868-82593

How do you know when tubes are done?

I have a homemade pre-amp and amp - both tubed.Recently, it became necessary to turn the volume  up quite a bit to get the same sound level.It still sounds good but I started to wonder if a tube or two was the culprit. The tubes are about 8 or 9 years old and  get light to medium use.
Suggestions?

steamboy

Showing 1 response by petg60

petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
tubes are towards or end of life when dynamics are gone. Preamp tubes may produce funny noises or extra hiss sound, power tubes will lack power to drive efficiently. If in doubt get or borrow a good tube tester and check before rather than sorry later.
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