Obviously a tube can fail at any time so you can never be sure if/when it will. That said, your preamp has a single 6550 power tube which is generally rated to last a couple of thousand hours on average so maybe consider preemptive maintenance and change it each time it gets near that amount of hours. I do that in my integrated amps and tube preamp.
Power Tube Failure
A little while ago a small tube (in my Phono-Preamp) died. It was a subtle affair in which the tube turned white and the glass cracked, not necessarily in that order. This failure was interesting, but not dangerous.
Yet, this event got me wondering - what happens when a power tube dies?
My Preamp's power tube runs quite hot, and I am concerned it may be a FIRE HAZARD when that tube fails.
My second concern is that my Preamp may be DAMAGED when the power tube dies.
So, I am hoping to hear from anyone who has EXPERIENCED a power tube failure and can provide any insight regarding what to expect.
notes:
a. Yes, my Preamp counts hours, but I own several power tubes and do not know how many hours of service each has provided.
b. Testing these tubes is not plausible - I do not have a tube-tester, and there are no HiFi retailers within a reasonable driving distance.
Thanks in advance for your stories!
Best,
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- 45 posts total
- 45 posts total