2. vintage
  3. 160721-2279

How long can I expect tubes to last on a preamp or MW CD player?

Secondly, what would be the signs of tube deterioration?  Without a tube tester, is there any way to tell how much life they have left short of they aren't working anymore?  I have 7 tubes between the TRL DUDE and MW 5400 Signature Truth.  I may have hit that point on at least a couple tubes.  Seems to have dropped a little in SQ.  The 2 SNL7 tubes on the MW are only a couple months old.  The rest have been on 24/7 for at least half of their lifespan, about 4-5 years with NOS tubes in them.  I still have the original tubes with very little use.

Bob
dorkwad
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
you don't want to leave tube gear on 24-7

yes i think some of your tubes, based on your description, can stand replacement - when you get new ones, see if the sound improves, then you will know


noromance's avatar
noromance
10,182 posts
 
Yeah, no need to leave on 24/7. 
Replace after 5000 hours.
dorkwad OP
548 posts
 
Thanks for the replies jjss49 and noromance.  Sounds like I'm well over.  The PPT stuff made such a difference in performance, I didn't notice the drop-off in SQ until this past week.
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