2. amps-preamps
  3. 143243-10803

How long should Pre amp (12au7) tubes last in Rogue Preamp?

I've always heard Rogue equipment drives tubes hard. My RP-5 (purchased in OCT 2017) still sounds great with the stock JJ's. No distortion or any added noise. Typical life (in hours) of general 12au7's for a Rogue preamp? I may try the newer Gold Lions next time, although I am happy with the sound of the JJ's
aberyclark
tastyfreeze's avatar
tastyfreeze
135 posts
 
Tubes are not exact as two identical units may be totally different.  Your ears and an occasional tube testing will let you know.  
mickeyb
533 posts
 
Nos Mullards or telefunkens will last as long as you own your equipment. I’ve got some from the 50s and 60s that still test 90%. They must have at least 20 k hours on them. Obviously mine are not nos but I’d feel real comfortable paying good mo eye for them from Brent Jesse or another reputable tube seller. 
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
Gold Lions sound really good to my ears. They should last a good longtime in the Rogue
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
I haven't tried the Gold Lions yet, but I put a pair of NOS Tung-Sol tubes in the preamp section of my Rogue integrated amp and was surprised at how much better it sounded.  I'm sure my JJ's were still fine after a few years but it seemed like a cheap enough experiment and it paid off.
browndt
97 posts
 
Usually 5000 to 10000 hours if the tubes are not defective. 
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