My Cayin CS-845A uses 3 different pairs of tubes, 845, 300B, 6SN7. I use it as my amp. It plays 3 hrs/day. I change the tubes out every 3 years (3000 hrs). Last set of tubes 2025 were Psvane Summit series, about $2000. My preamp LTA Microzotl level 2 has 2 pairs of tubes, 6SN7, 12AT7. It is easy on tubes. So ... a long winded answer is $660/yr. That's using Psvane's best tubes.
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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- 31 posts total
- 31 posts total

