2. amps-preamps
  3. 1230699199

Tube Life: 6SN7, 6DJ8, 12AT7 et al.

Does the rate of decline increase with age or is it linear?

Assuming a new tube had a reading of 107/107 which for the sake of this example would represent 107% of new stock specification and it was sold after considerable use with readings of 102/102. Can the purchaser assume that for all intents and purposes that the tube will last as long as a brand new tube that specs 2% over new spec?
anacrusis
wireless200
415 posts
 
Do tubes wear out faster if they are driven harder? For example will listening at higher volumes wear them out faster?
anacrusis OP
69 posts
 
My strong guess is that volume is not a factor and that less heat and resistance might even be realized at full output.

Thanks for the really good points presented. I guess the question can't be answered in absolute terms, but I do have a better feel for how I might approach a tube purchase.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,781 posts
 
Heat shortens the life of any tube. So cooling is important, and in the case of power tubes, especially if they are in a class AB amplifier, the more power you ask of them, the hotter they get. If you don't deal with the heat effectively (some of this may be handled by the design of the amp), the life will be shortened.
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