I have a different amp , but tubes none the less . About 2 years ago I got back into vinyl , so I put a fresh set of KT-120’s into my amp. ( auto bias ). The current ones had plenty of life , but after warming up the new ones, there was a noticeable sonic improvement. I purchased them with matching and burn in . So I just let them warm up a couple hours and listen . I have some of the exotic NOS tubes like Tungsol 3 hole , GEC KT-66 and KT-88. But I love the Winged C tubes ! As far as failure , a brand new current production GL KT-77 failed and damaged my amp . Had to send it in for repairs. A capacitor blew with such force that it snapped the junction tab in two, as it’s a point to point unit . Heard a huge pop on my left speaker , but no damage . One of the Winged C’s let go and the glass fractured . The tube internals turned snow white, but no damage . Fortunately, I was standing in front of my system and turned the amp off . Ah the things we do for Harmonic Distortion! Cheers , Mike.