Charles, the output tubes are biased on the high end, so yes, tube life is likely to suffer somewhat. On the other hand the sonics are improved. Such is the trade off.
Perhaps we can work out a demo for you. If you go to the Electra Fidelity website, complete the contact us form, and send it off I will respond with my phone number so we can chat. We would like as many people as possible to hear this unit. Shows are obviously a good method, but in ones own system is always better. Auntjenof2 just happens to be in the same town which made things easier for him.
Perhaps we can work out a demo for you. If you go to the Electra Fidelity website, complete the contact us form, and send it off I will respond with my phone number so we can chat. We would like as many people as possible to hear this unit. Shows are obviously a good method, but in ones own system is always better. Auntjenof2 just happens to be in the same town which made things easier for him.