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Questions about Preamp Tubes

Hi,

I was thinking of buying a preamp (tube and SS). Will the tubes need constant replacement? If yes, then I would rather just use SS preamp to save myself the trouble/cost. My understanding is that it becomes very, very hard to differentiate between tube/SS in high-end products; however, is this the case in lower-end models? Will it still be the case in cheaper/older preamps by Audio Research and Conrad Johnson (those were the ones I was looking at)? Obviously I will try to try any preamp out if possible to test for synergy, but I don't want to consider tube preamps at all if they have the above problem.
freckling
peterb
108 posts
 
Tubes in preamps normally last 5000 to 10000 hours of playing time......
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Peterb is right, although to clock 10000hours or over, you'll need premium types. The pres you mentioned are very well designed. They are anything but tube killers. In my opinion you need not worry but insist, should you buy, that the tubes are in good working order and not noisy in the critical places. A bit of tube rush is normal, but it should not interfere with your listening pleasure, even in very soft passages of music.
lamphear_electronics
9 posts
 
Small signal tubes, like the 12AX7, etc.. do last considerably longer than tubes such as the 6L6 in most cases. I wouldn't worry about how long they last because they can go on for years. Small tubes are replaced more often because of defects rather than normal wear & tear.

Tube preamps, in my opinion do sound considerably better! Try and get one that's point to point wired but not 40+ years old. Look for basic models without tone controls and tonnage of bells & whistles. Old is OK if it's been refurbished.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Preamp tubes (as opposed to output tubes in a power amp) are ordinarily long-lived. I can't remember having one go bad in my last three tubed preamps, two of which were by Conrad Johnson.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Audio Research and C/J are always good pieces to find..Tubes aren't usually that big a deal..The biggest question wether tube or s/s is how well the piece has been taken care of and if it has been back to the factory ( or reliable tech. ) for a service check..Keep in mind the peices are old and do need upgrading and upkeep..Also give us more info in the models you seek and maybe we can provide more info................
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