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Questions from a Tube Preamp newbie

I have my Rogue RP-5 back from warranty repair and I am loving how it sounds. While at Rogue, they installed 4new JJ 12au7-s tubes. Sounds great. I have some questions.

1. with about 2 hours daily playing, how long do typical preamp tubes last (I have heard Rogue's, like CJ, can be hard on tubes)

2. Do new tubes need broken in? if so, what is normal time frame?

3. Does tube rolling really make a difference on a preamp vs power amp?

4. What is the general concensus on JJ tubes for a preamp? Again, I am really happy with the sound, so I probably won't change. However, I will eventually probably get the itch.

Thanks
aberyclark
buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
622 posts
 
Thumbs up to both Brent Jesse and Andy at Vintage Tubes . These places have quality product and a wealth of knowledge . Also of interest is Brent Jesse’s site that explains the sounds of various NOS Tubes . I find the descriptions to be spot on . Also sorry if I ruffled any feathers on my Mullard description . I also appreciate the number of knowledgeable Goners that have chimed in on the New Production Gold Lion Signal Tubes . I have their KT-77’s and KT-88’s and found them to be excellent. Somebody mentioned Cryo ? Was the change noticeable? I also appreciate Wolf and Lowrider . Good info guys , thanks .
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,836 posts
 
@buellrider97  I mentioned using Cryo'd Gold Lion 12AU7s from Cryoset.  I don't know if the cryogenic treatment has improved the sound of the stock tubes but I can attest to how long they remain quiet in circuit.  Ron Sheldon at Cryoset also tests the tubes carefully to supply you with matched pairs if needed.  
aberyclark OP
1,410 posts
 
The JJ's are still running strong after over a year of everyday listening. After new years I think I will try Gold Lions from Cryost or from Upscale Audio with their CJ/Rogue match option.
wolf_garcia
6,794 posts
 
As an aside, I like all the JJs I’ve had (all preamp or driver small tubes) except the KT77s, as they lasted about one day in my Dennis Had se amp before I rejected them. They are cheap however...after I recovered from that experience with 77s I eventually bought a pair of the Gold Lions and they’re the best of any type (88s, 120s, 150s, etc.) of anything I’ve tried in that amp...a very nice tube indeed.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,836 posts
 
JUST A NOTE ABOUT CRYOSET...Ron Sheldon is very ill and has sold off his tubes and other gear.  A terrible shame.  I have had great performance from his cryo'd tubes.  Unfortunately bad things do happen to good people.😔
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