2. amps-preamps
  3. 156406-496

Better amp or better tubes?

With this lockdown I'm finding myself and I'm sure many others listening to music more often and with that my mind has gone into upgrade mode.
My amp is a rare Quickilver 300B that must be at least 25 years old using genalax gold lion  300b tubes.
Over a year ago I sent an email to Mike sanders asking him about suggesting upgrades to the unit and surprisingly he told me if the amp is working fine to just leave it alone. We ok then.
The genalax 300b are modest in price  costing about $300 a pair and have worked flawlessly. If I were to upgrade the tubes, what direction would you suggest? To be honest, I'm a bit apprehensive in spending a lot for tubes since they can fail at anytime. Am I being overly concerned?

So, do I upgrade the tubes or amp? Amp budget of under 4k.

Thanks


emil

Showing 2 responses by emil

emil OP
205 posts
 
Hi Chayro
Recently done just that. Sold my LTA Microzotl2 for the LTA Preamplifier. VERY happy with that move.
So my attention has turned to the amp.

Troubled times indeed. We all need a distraction



emil OP
205 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. Much appreciated and something to think about.
@atmasphere 
all tubes have been purchased with the last 2 years with moderate use. I think they should be fine
@decooney 
Upgraditis. Too much free time on my hands. I can easily live with what I have now but isn't this the nature of the hobby?
My system:
Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE
LTA Microzotl Preamp
Quicksilver 300B amps 
Volti Audio modified Khorns
Full Loom Triode Wire Labs cables
@boomerbillone  
Input tubes are 12FQ7 . Recently replaced and purchased from Vintage Tube Services
Rectifier tubes are genelax Gold Lion 5AR4
@Verdantaudio
The Emmision Labs 300B looks like a tube I would be comfortable with considering it's price.

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