The 40,000 hour figure comes from original WesternElectric 300B operations and does not necessarily apply to all 300Bs. Some, such as Elrogs were notorious for quick deaths. As for the new reissues, it is to early to tell, but at least they have a long five year guarantee. Another issue is that some modern amps really push tubes very hard to be able to claim high output power. I would personally prefer an amp that runs the amp very conservatively. Another issue is that a lot of American power grids deliver power at 120 volts or more and this can be hard on tubes. I know tube people that employ step down transformers, one to as low as 100 volts.
Would you buy a tube amp if you were unable to use vintage tubes in it ?
Not available or too expensive.
Hmm.., I don't think I have a definitive answer for myself, but I would do my best to avoid such amps. There is no substitute for great tubes, I guess, especially if you value sophisticated sound.
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- 63 posts total
- 63 posts total