2. amps-preamps
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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
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
6,726 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.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,935 posts
 
You can't abuse a tube preamp via the input signal :)

I play in a band as well and while I have technical skills, the idea that a semiconductor is going to fail on the road is not a happy thought- that bit of equipment is going to have to be dealt with in a shop, not on the road. OTOH a tube can go and its simply a matter of plugging in a new one.

I play metal and heavier music at home and find that tubes do that extremely well. Just a FWIW- electronics generally speaking does not care what material you put through it- if its properly designed it will be as good for metal as it is for classical. 
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