Owners, how long do your tubes last in this preamp? If it doesn't last long, is this a problem of the machine or the tubes? I expect different tubes have different lifespans.
NOS Siemens E88CC (something like that) are about half the price of the Telefunkens, last just as long, and sound almost as good. Tube life is around 6/7000 hours; the Modulus runs a bit "hot" on the tubes and the usual 10k hr life of 6922 tubes in preamps does not apply here. Still a lot of hours, though.
The AI M3a runs the tubes in standby mode at all times when it's not turned on to play music. I like this a lot, but it did seem to take its toll on tubes. I found the sound of my M3a benefited from changing the tubes every year or two, even if I was not playing it a lot. I attributed this to the standby mode situation.
You like great audio right? So what are you complaining about. Change them once a year. Ive tryed every NOS. worst is the russian. The BEST Amperex 6dj8. At least in my system. Telefunkin are out of this world also. Amperex are more balanced to my ears driving a zeus. I bought a 20$ pair of used amperex bugle boys blew everything else away. Quite strong great. Look up joes tube lore
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