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
david12
1,454 posts
 

As others have said, Tube Pre's tend to go forever, before tubes need replacing. Once you have heard tubes in the Pre or Power amp, there is no going back, as far as I am concerned. It is tempting fate to say this, but I have never had a problem with a Power amp tube going and that has been very infrequently. I have heard they can take out capacitors when they go, never with me. Replacing a tube could'nt be easier to do. To check which tube has gone, simply switch one tube at a time to the other channel, till the problem appears in the other channel and you have your culprit.

 I have had a number of Tube Pre amps and I agree with Lowrider, that CJ make some of the best, the 17LS I had for a number of years was one of my favourite components. Unfortunately I need XLR outputs into my ARC Ref 75SE and CJ do'nt do balanced outputs, so I bought a Modwright 36.5 as an ex dem model and it is excellent, as good as the Arc Ref 3, in my opinion and a lot cheaper.

maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
With the type of music you have mentioned in posts here and at Audiocircle i would skip the tube gear and focus on solid state . But of course your curiosity should be tested with tubes as well .
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth OP
1,572 posts
 
Ok, SS it is !!  \m/

parasound p-5 on the list. 
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth OP
1,572 posts
 
Which also saves me over 2k in money for a new CD player and cables, so I guess it's for the better, as I still need to get. My old stratos upgraded as well. Money will be tight to get all th is done. 


wolf_garcia
6,733 posts
 
Myself and other geezer guitar amp users (in my case since 1962, but not professionally before 1967) were mostly clueless about preamp tubes and abused the hell out of tube amps with no MOLLYCODDLING. Whatever that means…very rare for a good tube amp to fail, even when abused 6 nights a week for several sets a night…my old Fenders…friggin' bulletproof.
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