2. amps-preamps
  3. 128671-18279

Why no tube loaner/testdrives--It's hard being an audiophile

I just wanted to vent for a moment. I'm going to quote my wife and file this under "It's hard being an audiophile" as there is some absurdity to the fact that I view this issue as a real life problem.

The issue: 

My Primaluna integrated amp has 6 premp tubes and 8 power tubes.  While the unit makes tube rolling a snap, it's (a) difficult to find or at reasonable prices NOS tubes in larger batches; (b) reissue or new tubes cost a bunch to experiment with. 

For example, if I want to swap in a set of Gold Lion KT77 power tubes (I've already tried the stock EL34s and Mullard re-issues), it's a small fortune to do so.  I think the GL KT77 may be the ticket, yet making another expenditure to find out seems pricey.  I wish I could borrow a set and pay a tryout fee, as opposed to spending $400 on a set. 
128x128jbhiller
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Nothing to add here other than I got a good laugh at many posts cuz I can relate. Thanks guys.
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
I'd say the reason there are no "tube loaners" is that tubes don't have serial numbers so someone could borrow a new set and return a spent set.
Cables don't have serial numbers either, but they aren't consumed with use.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,914 posts
 
Any hobby worth its participation will cost a fee. $400 for a set of tubes is nothing.  Happy Listening!
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
610 posts
 
I narrowly avoided buying an Audio Research SP-10 preamp once.  I came to my senses thinking about the time it would take to track down which of the 15 tubes had gone out if something happened.

Currently running a CJ Premier preamp with 4 tubes, all the same type, and easy to diagnose given a spare tube or two.

Hats off to the guys running power amps with ranks of 300B tubes....
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,439 posts
 
@jafant ,

I agree.  I'm only complaining--tongue in cheek.  Can I imagine what the cost of stuff would be if golf were my hobby? You're right...this is reasonable.  It's just tough to try tubes and think they are ok, but be stuck with them after the outlay of cash. 
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