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. 
arcticdeth
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
articdeath,
I didn't realise that the Classic 2SE didn't have a remote. In that case, if you are still interested in a tube preamp that mates very well with a SS amp, check out the new Atma-Sphere UV-1 priced slightly less than the Classic 2SE.

http://www.atma-sphere.com/Products/#UV-1

The sound is lush, dynamic with 3D soundstaging. No affiliation, just an owner of this wonderful new preamp. It replaced a Rogue and it's brought my system to a higher level. Google a review.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
This is not a contest all depends on the design both are GREAT!!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
Not a contest, but I’m looking at the high gain specs of the Classic. CJ was on my short list when I was looking to buy.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,176 posts
 
Gain is not a tube or solid state thing. Its easy enough to deal with that either way so I would not use that as a criteria.
scorpio1951
189 posts
 
 I have a McIntosh C2300 tube preamp,  bought new in 2008. Last year I replaced the cheap Chinese tubes that McIntosh provided with Telefunken NOS tubes from the 1960's. The difference in sound was incredible! I also retubed a classic McIntosh MR-71 tuner with NOS telefunken tubes from  the 1950's and 1960's. It was expensive to install new tubes in both components but worth it. 
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