It's Time To Change ARC SP-11 Tubes When.....


I bought this preamp about 3-4 years ago with brand new tubes and have not used it a lot.

Lately, however, I have been leaving it on 24/7.

(Maybe I am imagining things, but I would say my system sounds dramatically smoother when I leave the amps on.)

In the 24/7 mode, how frequently would you recommend changing the preamp's tubes?

When these tubes begin to deteriorate, what are the clues?

More noise? Changes to soundstage? Less detail?

I have a new set waiting in the box from ARC. Sounds pretty good to me now, but wondering if it should be even better.

Thanks.
cwlondon

Showing 1 response by magnepanmike

Well, your tubes should last approx. 2,000 hours.

2,000 devided by 24 = 83 days.......

Kinda costly if you ask me..............