2. amps-preamps
  3. 147901-84454

Is it common for tubes to outweigh the cost of the amp or preamp?

I just got my first tube (headphone) amp and was wondering if it is common to spend more on the tubes than the actual cost of the amp. The amp was $599 with stock tubes. I just ordered NOS driver tubes that ran $640 for the pair and the power tube upgrade I'm planning will be another $300. That has the tubes sitting at 1.5 times the cost of the amp itself.

I don't find the total of $1539 for the amp and upgraded tubes unreasonable but considering the next model (amp) up is $1199, it has me wondering what would be better... a lower cost amp with superior tubes or a higher cost amp with stock tubes?
samiamnot

Showing 1 response by millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
samiamnot
Power cables are something I'd only upgrade if I didn't know what else to upgrade and had excess money lying around. 

Okay, let me get this straight. So there's no misunderstanding. You are using the cheap stock factory power cords that come with your components????????????!
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