2. amps-preamps
  3. 192515-89202

Do I need new tubes?

Until recently, when I turned on my rig it immediately sounded full bodied and rich. In the last few weeks I’ve noticed it doesn’t reach this state immediately, but rather until at least after an hour. From then on it’s fine.
Is this a sign my preamp tubes are aging? My amp is solid state and always on.

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harleyujoe's avatar
harleyujoe
52 posts
 

Do you see any different in glow of your tubes  ??? Its funny being 73 yr old and all the years tubes were in TV's growing up and always a place to take your tubes for testing..Remember few drug stores having tube testers..I would look for a place that does guitars and amps and see about getting tubes tested.. I always buy tubes ahead for backup and to exchange to see if  new tubes help with issues you are having... good Luck

jond's avatar
jond
5,856 posts
 

That's not really a symptom of a tube going bad and it's not unusual for tubes to take some time to warmup. But if you have some spares drop them in and see what happens. BTW always always have a full retube for your system on hand!

ghdprentice
7,105 posts
 

That is an odd symptom. I'll second @jond 's  recommendation to put in the spare set of tubes... it'll take 10 to 20 hours for the new tubes to sound right. 

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