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How do you know when to replace tubes

I recently purchased the Audio research Anniversary reference
The unit has 2600 hours on the tubes.The manual states replace the power supply tubes after 2000 hours.Do you indeed have to replace the tubes even if the sound is good.Another question is tube rolling enhance the sound .As an aside the Audio Research replaced the Einstein Tube pre amp noticeable improvement to the sound ,mainly the lower mid range and bass.
ramy
wolf_garcia
6,769 posts
 
I didn't count the hours on my 120s but it was about 2 and a half years of
use...even 5 hours a day (I have my rig on more than that usually) is over 5000
hours, and they still held their bias and sounded fine until that last couple of
weeks.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,321 posts
 
I really AM impressed, WG.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
When it comes to power tubes, I'm more concerned with catastrophic tube failure than SQ. Following the recommended tube maintenance schedule is dependent on the amp and manufacturer.

I've had power amps where the tube just gracefully dies but with ARC, I'm definitely following their recommendations.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,103 posts
 
Heck, almost any triode power amp can log 10,000 hours on the power tubes, the exception being the 6C33. We had one of our amps log 22,000 hours on the power tubes before we finally had to replace one (there were 16 power tubes in that amp, FWIW...).
wolf_garcia
6,769 posts
 
I had the same tubes in my '60 Fender Deluxe for over three decades.
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