2. amps-preamps
  3. 119086-70778

Tube preamp reliability vs SS?

I am considering buying a Conrad Johnson classic 2se pre or a used McCormack LD-2 preamp. 

 I have never used a tube pre, and am curious as to the reliability of the tube, I like to be able to turn it on, maybe wait 30 min for warm up before jamming tunes.  This is fine, my concern is the reliability of the tube, how long will it last?, also, is it a pain to change when it goes bad? Can I change myself, or must I send to factory just for this small tube? 

  • Would the the action of me putting in the new tube void any warranty, not that 3 years is long anyway  when it comes to warranties. 
128x128arcticdeth
jamnesta
155 posts
 
 Most likely a good choice for you, tubes can only increase the nervosa aspect of our hobby: hmmmm sounds a little off today, is a tube going bad, should I hunt down a NOS at ridiculous prices? You get the idea.
 Of course, if like me you were enchanted by the sound,  you're stuck.......
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,935 posts
 
 
It is easy to refurbish and maintain classic tube gear for decades while a lot of solid state gear is MUCH harder to find replacement transistors, ICs and op amps.
Isn't *that* the truth! The hardest part about keeping older solid state gear alive is finding the semiconductors! The irony is that many semiconductors are far more obsolete than most vacuum tubes...
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth OP
1,572 posts
 
Would running low freq music, heavy bass techno etc etc through system break in the capacitors at all on preamp? Adding more bass overall???
jamnesta
155 posts
 
Hadn't thought of that Larryi & atmasphere! I feel better now...
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,432 posts
 
Musicians love tube amps since tubes are easy to replace. Semiconductors failure is harder to diagnose and usually require professional repair.
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