I can tell you that catastrophic tube failure can be quite expensive. It cost me $650 and the builder was generous with me because it was not that old. But I bought it used and thus no warranty. I also learned the pitfalls of buying an amp that has not been broken in yet. Break in can happen either for the good or it really BREAKS in, IE failure. BTW It had protection too. But, it still took out a power supply.
FWIW if you have a catastrophic failure, you will need tubes AND repair. 8 tubes should not cost $1k. Driver tubes may be alright since they have about double the life of power tubes. Just a thought.
FWIW if you have a catastrophic failure, you will need tubes AND repair. 8 tubes should not cost $1k. Driver tubes may be alright since they have about double the life of power tubes. Just a thought.