Tube preamp reliability vs SS?


I am considering buying a Conrad Johnson classic 2se pre or a used McCormack LD-2 preamp. 

 I have never used a tube pre, and am curious as to the reliability of the tube, I like to be able to turn it on, maybe wait 30 min for warm up before jamming tunes.  This is fine, my concern is the reliability of the tube, how long will it last?, also, is it a pain to change when it goes bad? Can I change myself, or must I send to factory just for this small tube? 

  • Would the the action of me putting in the new tube void any warranty, not that 3 years is long anyway  when it comes to warranties. 
128x128arcticdeth

Showing 6 responses by arcticdeth

Thanks to everyone.  I will stick by my SS preamps. Having a tube to change/go bad is a problem. I like the ease of just, turn on and ready to go...indefinitely.    LD-2 sent to steve for improvement is on my list. 
Would running low freq music, heavy bass techno etc etc through system break in the capacitors at all on preamp? Adding more bass overall???
Not sure what to expect with the classic 2SE, I'm not one to. Have a lot of cash, so if I dump 2k+ into this pre, and I don't lIke the tube being a pian in the butt, I will be so depressed , as I won't have any cash left for anything. 
Which also saves me over 2k in money for a new CD player and cables, so I guess it's for the better, as I still need to get. My old stratos upgraded as well. Money will be tight to get all th is done. 


Still considering the Conrad Johnson classic 2 SE. 

I THINK THERE IS ONLY 1 Small tube in it????  Help me if I'm wrong. 

Would this his be ok for rock/metal, or would bass be too slushy with this preamp? 

Will be buying ing the nad 546 CD player. And some Grover Huffman cables for my amp to preamp connections, and possibly a pair for my cd to preamp connection, depends how good Santa is this year