What do you see as the downside of tubes?


I have decided on getting a tube amp and it will be the integrated Mastersound 300B driving a pair of Living Voice Avatars, so at least that decision has been taken.

My main question is what you see as downsides of having a tube amp. As I've decided on getting an integrated tube it's really about what the downsides are I might want to know about beforehand.

The ones I'm aware are the following.

-The tubes need to be replaced and in the case of a 300B this will be somewhat costly.

-Bias is another issue but I'm not sure how big an issue. Do you plug in your meter every so often or just when you roll tubes or replace a dead one? The meter as such isn't gonna be a big issue as I don't think it's that expensive.

-Heat won't be a big issue as we have no kids nor a nosy dog that could get burned. Hope my electricity bill isn't gonna go through the roof, but then again, I can't quite imagine that.

I'd appreciate if you could add whatever your experiences are regarding this question are as I'd like to know more before I buy it.

Thanks
krauti
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my twin boys grew up with big tube amps sitting on the floor, wide open without cage. no, they never got burn.

my friend puts it best. if you can train a tiger to perform in circus, you can train your kids not to touch the tubes.
The only time I had a tube amp damage a driver in loudspeakers was from a cheap poorly built dared amp that had parts shift in case work. Have had tubes fail never had 1 damage any amps or loudspeakers. Mostly you hear noise and slightly more distortion that lets you know its time to check or change out tubes. Realy not a issue. 300b available from $150 pair up. The mastersound can be retubed from about $250 up. I have had solid state amps damage loudspeakers when they have had problems this is not just a issue for tube amps.
Mapman; I have a b&k 747 tube tester and check tubes every 6 months. I think visual and audible changes are a indication as well to check tubes.
Also I kept a bias adjustment log when I had amps with manual bias adjustments; When bias starting to drift I would pay closer attention to that output tube.
I know many people will think this is extra work but I have several $$$ invested in my amps and pre amp and just want to keep them running at their very best;much like a person who maintains their car.
Rleff,

Thanks.

I know that it is possible for oneself to keep tube devices in proper working order.

Personally I just haven't done it for a while and never with an expensive hiogh end tube amp and was curious what tools and procedures people use with their high end amps these days.

Like most good things in life, there is some work and know-how involved to maintain anything that is worthwhile.

Not all who like good sound are cut out for this kind of thing though, so I just think people should be made aware of what goes into keeping a good tube amp in good working order, that's all.

Back when tubes were king, into the late 70's, people did it all the time.

Back in those days when I worked at Lafayette Radio and Radio Shack, there was a tube tester in each store, and we used to help people check their tubes as a regular service.

Replacement tubes were stocked in-store and sold regularly as were many common electronic parts.

I sold many a tube and don't recall exact tube prices, but I do not recall ever selling a tube that cost more than $15-20 back then.