Audio Research REF3 tube question clarification

Yep, I'm over 5000 hours on my Ref-3 ... and still in amazement.

I agree with microstrip. In an amp,the 6550 life expectancy is around 2000 hours plus or minus but, in the power supply of the Ref-3 it's coasting and will have a much longer lifespan. My ref 3 is at 6300 hours and sounds wonderful. A swap with a new 6550 made that point very clear. If you talk to the tube guys, the knowledgable ones, they'll agree.

Tube life depends mainly on cathode current - the same tube used in different circuits can last for very different times.
Most tube preamplifiers work in class A, meaning that tube current is constant. Unless you have all data from your preamplifier you should rely on manufacturer advice.
The referred values for the 6550 (1500 hours) are typical for a power tube in an Audio Research amplifier operated at 65mA bias and do not apply to the Ref3 - my Ref3is now over 4300 hours and the 6550 still measures over 8500 micromhos.

thks for the info., thats even more hours.

My understanding is that 2 of 6H30PI tubes are per channel and the one left over is partial for power supply is this correct?

If 2 per channel would it not be important to have a matched pair for each channel?

Are there any differences between the 6H30PI tube sonically? for example the date made much of a difference sonically?

Difference between the ARC tubes or purchasing from a reputable tube dealer?

The 6H30 "Supertube" is a little different from your ordinary tube. These were designed for the Russian Military for extreme use at up to 10,000 hours. I provided a link below to comments made by Viktor from BAT.

The 6550 is a power tube and thus typically runs hotter and doesn't last as long. These probably will last 1000-1500 hours.

http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=tubes&n=218137&highlight=6h30

Pre-amp tubes should last between 3-5000 hours dependant upon how hard you drive your Ref.3

Same comment for the power supply tube.

Matching is not necessary, but buy the lowest noise you can. I use RAM tubes in my own (from brand new, the suppied set are still in their foam).

Hope this helps a bit, but you will tend to hear if there is something wrong.

Regards