Re-biasing a CJ Premier 8

Fernando, I don't know where you are getting your price quotes, but I just check the web site of Triode Electronic's. He is selling matched quads of SED (the old Svetlana brand) for 95.90. According to my calculations that would bring the cost of retubing your amps to less than $400. I've used him many times. Very reliable and the product is guaranteed. I'm using these tubes in my amps at this time - I've yet to have a premature failure.

I guess the retube price includes the 12 driver tubes 6fq7 (8)and 5751's(4)----These make a big difference to be sure.

CJ quote came from the company itself (they have been very supportive, kind and informative), again - it would be around 600 US per amp.

The Svet 6550c quote comes from www.sovetk.com, under Svetlana section, my friend has dealer pricing and kindly passing thru.

I am NOT including the driver set, which look OK.

I need to take a decision in the next 48 hours or so (flying to Detroit on Sunday from Mexico) - I have the feeling that I will run the "risk" of re-tubing and keep the Premiers 8 for me.

Fernando

Believe me the drive tubes matter, more than you think.When you finally get around to getting some cryoed ones;you'll understand.

I would concurr with avguygeorge on the influence of the input and driver tubes. That said: Both the 6fq7's and the 5751's in the amplifiers should give you at least 3000 hours of life before replacement [unless they go noisey or microphonic]. The nos triple mica sylvania 5751's as well as the rca triple mica black plates can have a profound impact on the resolution and bass drive in the CJ amplifiers.