@audphile1 How do you keep track of hours?
Just how much do you spend on tubes per year on average ?
I don't mean if you have $50k tube supply in the closet, I mean the cost of tubes that you wear out and throw away.
With my VAC Avatar SE integrated, and I use only better vintage tubes, it runs about $300 so far. I buy both new and used tubes. I do have $2500 tube supply in the closet. The amp is on for at least three hours a day, often longer.
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https://elusivedisc.com/stylustimer-turntable-odometer/ or use average based on listening habits. |
OP Highly dependent on the system synergy and how hard the Amps are on the tubes. I have tube rolled since only the pandemic, and I must have hit under 2K for 5 years? not bad. But note, I only buy NOS. and I have an 845 Power Amp. So just to be clear, I am not referring to Tube maintenance (tube replacement) but rather Tube tuning / rolling. The good thing is that you will eventually find what you want and settle for that brand, make and model. then if you gear is easy on the tubes, (I have the LTA Microzotl) that can last for years. So, my opinion is to Tube roll and find what you're looking for and then settle on the tubes. just get replacements as budget allows |
@audphile1 thank you. |
Assuming the amp is operating as it should, anyone ever heard about Mullard XF2 blowing up and taking part of the amp with it ? I bought this quad on the Mart as test NOS set. I don't have a tube tester so couldn't confirm it. I put about 1500 hours on them, I'll see how far they will go. And signal tubes are Mullard 12AX7 long narrow plates from late 1950s, bought NOS from Brent of Audio Tubes, and Sylvania 12AU7 long black plates from 1950s, bought used test NOS on ebay. Sylvania were inexpensive, each pair of Mullard was $450. Brent said Mullard long plates should last at least 5000 hours in my VAC. very possibly longer. |
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