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 1 response by larryi

larryi
3,756 posts
 
Although they were expensive, the 1990's Western Electric reissues are extremely durable; I know a number of people still using those after 20 years of use.  A lot depends on the design of the amp.  If it does not push tubes very hard, they will last a long time.  If hte designer tries to chase the last bit of extra power and pushes the tube near its specified maximum, life is dramatically shortened. 

 This is particularly bad news for amps running 300b tubes because there is no such thing as cheap alternatives.  Once again Western Electric reissues are being offered, but, it is not possible to know if they are as durable as original tubes or the 1990's reissue.
More to discover