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Do tube amplifiers improve with age?

I have McIntosh mc901 mono amplifiers connected to b&w 802D3 speakers. and a CJ gat2 preamplifier, which is part of the home theater signal chain. i use transparent super ultra premium plus speaker cables - frankly I don't remember exactly what they are but they were kind of expensive.

I'm finding my amplifier seems to have improved with age and may be getting even better since I bought it a couple years ago. I use stock tubes because I don't trust nos anymore. I tried telefunken small NOS tubes but then a few of them went bad so I went back to the stock JJ tubes. And they sound fine. The amplifier specs say 901 amps dont have any distortion to speak of so maybe that's why changing out tubes doesn't really matter that much. The biamp experience is marvelous.

I'm wondering in light of above does a tube amplifier improve with age? Maybe I should replace the power tubes at some point but they don't seem in need of replacement but maybe things will get even better if replaced. 

Maybe Jay was unhappy with me because I was disappointed he doesn't take interest in tube amplifiers, and no I owned my 901 before he even understood the functionality as he bought them when his speakers didn't have biamp capability.  Remember?

 

emergingsoul
billstevenson
1,268 posts
 

That GAT2 is the best piece you own, but you have a very nice system.  No it will not improve with age, but your ears are breaking in nicely.  And, stick with the OEM tubes, they will last for a good long while.  When they need to be replaced they will talk to you.  Please don’t discount what I am saying about your ears, you really are adjusting to your system, it takes time.  The more you listen the better a good system like yours will sound to you.  There is nothing you are describing except a very good story.

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
1,024 posts
 

  After break in , no. Maybe your musical experience has improved over time hence your increased enjoyment. And isn’t that what we truly search for ? So it looks like a big win from my viewpoint. Best of enjoyment to you , Mike B. 

pindac's avatar
pindac
4,082 posts
 

A SE 300B purchased not too long ago is now in use as a permanent amp and not just a casual encounter.

To first experience the 300B, Input Valves were used of a very high quality and also receive wide appraisal. Power Valves selected to be used were classed as temporary or interim while options were considered.

An individual who was not communicated with across a few years came forward with a recommendation. The appraisal given for the recommended 300B was enough for me, as they had been compared to other 300Bs in other Amp's and held up very well. The individual recommending the Valves is a long-term 300B Power Amp user and has owned a selection of designs.

The Brand of 300B was selected, and the introduction of it to the Power Amp was just spectacular. The interim Valves, even though a move away from being Spec' had moments where there was really good impression made. The New Selected Valves, as a comparison, were an unfair match. The interim Valves were destroyed in an instant.

Have the Valves, or Amp improved over time? No. 

Has the appreciation of the Valves and Amp increased over time? You Bet.  

mofojo
2,428 posts
 

Dude you are either joking or have a major man crush on Jay

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,207 posts
 

Some components improve up until around 500hr mark of play time. If you’re listening on average 5-6hrs per week in 2 years the amps reached their optimal performance level. Tubes will continue to degrade though. 

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