Don't forget that tubes (Red Banks brand) were also used for the guidance systems of earlier American ICBM's (guided missiles). These tubes could withstand a force of over 30 G's that was generated at lift-off, and cruised on a sub-orbital flight path (essentially NO ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE!). Jfacker, I would think that speakers would be less efficient (not the amps) due to decreased air pressure (density) at higher altitudes. Living on the coast would expose your stereo equipment to corrosive salt air, and large humidity fluctuations, not the best environment for a stereo rig. I have heard that the only potential high altitude operational problems are confined to plasma TV's used above 6000 feet.
Tube equipment use in high altitude?
This might seems like a strange question, but are tubes adversely affected by use in extremely high altitudes? The reason for my question is I will be moving to La Paz, Bolivia for two years which has an altitude of 12,000 ft. I do not currently own any tube equipment, but I was thinking about making the switch from solid-state. I know that because of the pressure differences, light bulbs don't last nearly as long. Do anybody have any personnal experience with this issue or a scientific explaination. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.