2. amps-preamps
  3. 124991-82760

Question on Aesthetix / Tube Maintenance

Hello,

I am looking at upgrading my 2 channel system and Aesthetix (Atlas / Calypso)  is one of the two at the top of my list. Given that I currently do not have tubes, what should I expect in terms of maintenance of the system? How often do you find yourself replacing the tubes? How much does it usually cost? Is it easy to figure out which tube is the issue? Do you just replace them all after a given time? Do they degrade the sound quality over time or is it like a light bulb and just goes out?

Thanks
Rob
robertkat

Showing 1 response by mattmiller

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
A good set of tubes can be like changing tires on a sports car! LOL. Its the price we pay for those little glorious bottles. I think your about to enter goose bump zone! Tube gear in general is very sturdy and tubes last several thousand hours if you dont leave them on all the time. Good rule : If you plan on listening that day turn the system on then later that night before bed turn it off. Tubes dont like to be turned on and off a lot. Other than that its nice to keep spares for emergency and run your most expensive tubes in the unit. You will know when a tube is going bad when you have no output or one side is noisy all the time. Also, it takes 45 mins at least for things to warm up before you really sit and listen. Have fun :-)

Matt M

More to discover