2. amps-preamps
  3. 143243-10803

How long should Pre amp (12au7) tubes last in Rogue Preamp?

I've always heard Rogue equipment drives tubes hard. My RP-5 (purchased in OCT 2017) still sounds great with the stock JJ's. No distortion or any added noise. Typical life (in hours) of general 12au7's for a Rogue preamp? I may try the newer Gold Lions next time, although I am happy with the sound of the JJ's
aberyclark
donvito
400 posts
 
Many years!
timo62
281 posts
 
I would contact Rogue Audio and ask them how long you can expect the tubes to last in your preamp. They should be able to give you average life expectancy of the tubes they decided to use in their preamps.

It also depends on how many hours you are using the preamp on a daily, or weekly basis of course.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
IME, my Rogue preamp was easy on tubes (12au7’s). The tubes in my Perseous Magnum lasted for years.
There is a difference in the quality and longevity of tubes based on the dealer you buy from. Only two tubes died and they were not purchased from a reputable dealer.

jsl1234
36 posts
 
I'm no expert but I always thought driver tubes are not run very hard and should last like two or even three times as long when compared to the amp's output tubes (which run anywhere from 2000 to 6000 hours depending on how hard you drive them and their bias setting).
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