2. amps-preamps
  3. 1296958756

? Tube Replacement Question ?

As a novice in the world of vacuum tubes, I have a couple of basic questions. I have a Audio Research SP16 tube preamp I purchased new in January 2008 & use on a daily basis. The tubes have never been replaced.

(1) When is it prudent to replace the tubes?

(2) Will sound quality deteriorate with age?

(3) Are there advantages of replacing the tubes with aftermarket alternatives vs. OEM tubes?

Thank you kindly for your help.
kitjv

Showing 2 responses by hifihvn

hifihvn
943 posts
 
Amperex, or their Bugle Boy is excellent IMO. But, I can't say how they will do in your ARC preamp.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
Some of the NOS Mullard, Telefunken, and other tubes seem to keep on going in some gear, 10 years plus, only a couple of years in other. I'm talking high hour daily use also. Usually with the good NOS ones, as long as they test good, their sound doesn't seem to deteriorate. If you plan on staying with tubes, I would consider buying a Mutual Conductance tube tester. All of the tube amp people I know have extra tubes on hand. The quality of some of the newer ones are getting better, but I don't think they've reached what some NOS ones can do. Others say they've have it down now, for sonics and reliability.
More to discover