Depends totally on the particular tube type and the component in which it's used. I have some Telefunken 12AX7s that have been in regular use in my phonostage for over 10 years, and they were used tubes in the first place. Mullard EL-34s also seem to last virtually forever. Some components stress their tubes more than others. As far as the tester is concerned, the good and excellent ratings are too often arbitrary, depending on how the user interprets the meter and how the meter is marked (my own tester has no position higher than "good" ). You're better off paying higher tube prices to a trusted/respected tube seller. I've been lucky in buying tubes, and I've been unlucky. I wish you luck. Dave
Tube Test Results
I've read descriptions of tubes for sale here claiming that claim the tubes for sale "Good" or "Excellent" on their teting machines. What does this mean?
If a tube is not "Excellent" does that mean that their is not as much life left but, sound quality is not affected or, tube life is deteriorating and sound is too.
I guess my ultimate question is, do tubes burn out like a light bulb - running strong until the filament burns up or, do they die like a battery - less and less energy over time?
Talking about specifically 6SN7GTs as an example - if that matters.
thanx
If a tube is not "Excellent" does that mean that their is not as much life left but, sound quality is not affected or, tube life is deteriorating and sound is too.
I guess my ultimate question is, do tubes burn out like a light bulb - running strong until the filament burns up or, do they die like a battery - less and less energy over time?
Talking about specifically 6SN7GTs as an example - if that matters.
thanx