Schubert, speaking just for myself, replacement power tubes can become an expensive proposition for sure. My amp takes 8 KT-120s and 4 6H30s. ARC charges over $100 per KT-120 (2000 hours life) and over $60 (as I recall) per 6H30 (3500+ hours life). You do the math. And that's just the power amp.
Yeah, retubing can be a PITA. After a while, even though I think ARC does a better job matching tubes, I use another vendor who charges about 50 or so percent of what ARC charges. That makes retubing a little less painful.
The real question is whether it's worth owning tube gear. I think so - at least for me. But different strokes for different folks.
Yeah, retubing can be a PITA. After a while, even though I think ARC does a better job matching tubes, I use another vendor who charges about 50 or so percent of what ARC charges. That makes retubing a little less painful.
The real question is whether it's worth owning tube gear. I think so - at least for me. But different strokes for different folks.