Get some high quality vintage tubes. Install. Fixed.
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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- 14 posts total
That helps, but also raises the question, did you buy NOS or "used test strong" Tele’s? They may not be as strong as they could be. And honestly, the Telefunken 12AU7 is not one of their best efforts, IMO. The 7316 is by far the best 12AU7, but they are quite expensive now. The RCA clear-tops are highly regarded and are not much more expensive than new-manufacture varieties. I happen think the Genelex Gold Lion small signal tubes are pretty nice, so that might be a way to perk up your CJ. |
My own experience with the tubes in my preamp has been that when I had tubes that were getting tired or sick, things sounded more fatiguing and generally worse the longer they played. However, my own personal experience has been that when I have been running with tubes that are all in good shape, the longer it played the better everything sounds. |
I have the same tubes in my preamp as well and they should last a minimum of 5000 hours. Depending on how they are configured, maybe as much as 10,000 hours. Oh and I have used the RCA Cleartops @dogearedaudio mentioned and they are great and not that expensive. Bought a matched pair from Brent Jesse for I believe $100. All the best. |
- 14 posts total