How long can preamp tubes last?

450 hours a year? My cables take longer than that to break in (so the manufacturer says). I've had the same NOS GEs in my Freya for a long time (2 billion hours or so), and the interesting and somewhat unique thing about the Freya is that you can check the honesty or whatever of the tubes instantly...simply switch the mode to passive or FET and match the gain...presto el checko. If the tubes (relatively) sound like mush possibly change them, or for you, get new ones anyway in 2036.

Tubes in my Mcintosh C220 have been in place for almost ten years, used on average about 15-20 hours per week.  When I had the preamp serviced this past fall, I had the tubes tested.  They tested like new.  So, the answer is, a very long time.

Tubes in my Mcintosh C220 have been in place for almost ten years, used on average about 15-20 hours per week. When I had the preamp serviced this past fall, I had the tubes tested. They tested like new. So, the answer is, a very long time.

fify --- so the answer is a very long time IN A MAC C220

try asking an owner of an audible illusions modulus 3 how long the quad of 6dj8’s last... running 20 hrs a week... 😅😅😅😅

Try not to waste too much time though with tube rolling, nice for some experimentation but poor return on investment if obsessed.

+10^10

Tubes vary unit to unit.
Tubes change over time.
There are 24 permutations of how the 4 tubes in the Freya can be arranged, each of which will have a slightly different response.

Spend the money on program and enjoy the music.

Reseat your tubes every thousand hours or so.

Live long and prosper.

I find that my CJ PV2ar preamp needs tubes about every 2 to 3 years when played 20 to 50 hours a week (average).
When that "wind" sound through my speakers gets a little loud, amp turned to zero volume,  it's time to order replacement tubes.
When the new tubes get broken-in the noise floor always drops to an acceptable levelandthe dynamics get better.
My bank account sure wishes they would last longer.....