Tube question

Hi bill

yes tube gear does run hotter--- the tubes do generate heat..

there are units with and with out exposed tubes ---
check out our showcase on audiogon ...

tubes can last as short as a couple of months -- if not biased right or a couple of years ... depends on usage ...

and tupes can cost various prices -- from $10 to a couple hundred dollars .. again depending on make ..model and manufacturer

stephen

In general, tube amps do run much hotter than class AB solid state. However, some Class A solid state amps run as hot as tubes.

There are many variables that will affect how long a tube last. That includes the design of the amp, the tube type, who made the tube, your listening pattern – do you keep the amp on all the time or only turn it on when listen, how stable is the voltage of your power outlet, etc… In other words, it is impossible to make a general statement about tube live.

As far as how often tubes have to be replaced depends on how you use your equipment. I leave my tube amps and preamp on 24/7. My tube amps are 4 watts so heat is not a major concern.

I replace the whole preamp set three times a year at a cost of about $45 per set; (2)12AX7 (2) 12AU7 and (1) 6922. I use Ei Yugo's, East German RFT's and Russian Military 6922's. (FYI - the Russian Military 6922's equal the performance of the (much) more expensive NOS Telefunken/Siemens/Amperex; I have listened to them all).

The tubes in my amps get replaced about once a year at about $150 per set; (2) 2A3's (NOS RCA's), (2) 5692 or 6SN7 and (2) 5Y3's.

The reason I leave them on all the time is because tubes sound better after they have warmed up for 48 hours. Just my preference - and the way I chose to spend money. I keep a stockpile in case a tube fails earlier than expected.

Rule of thumb: figure 2,000 hour life span for tubes.

Tube preamps do not run hot at all.

I don't know how long tubes last, or their cost, as I bought my first tubed amp,a McIntosh MC 2000 some 8 months ago. A lot of tubes on this one, but I had a KRELL FPB 300 SS amp and I will tell you it ran WAY HOTTER than the Mac. The Krell sounded great, and made an even better space heater. I have found the heat from the Mac a non-issue and I have a rather small room. Plus the sound of the tubes...so smooth!