Hi 1439; tube pre-amps are definitely worth it, and except for tube replacement they are just as reliable as solid state. I use a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 pre-amp (six tubes), listen 3-5 hours a day, and have the pre-amp in standby the rest of the time. I've found that I need to re-tube about once a year. As the tubes age, eg near the end of life expectancy, the music quality gradually becomes "harder/brighter and more fatiguing". I experienced that after between 16 and 18 months of use, I then decided to re-tube every 12 months. BTW, I preferred the stock Sovtek 6922s (about $15. each) over an exotic NOS set, but preferences vary. I use this pre-amp with a McCormack DNA-2DX solid state amp and think the combination is great. Good Luck. Craig.
To tube or not to tube...
I'm interested in upgrading my preamp and have been considering going to a tubed preamp coupled with SS power amp. I hesitate because of the reliability factor. You see, I grew up in the era of tube television sets, so it was a periodic chore to unplug all the tubes from the TV and haul 'em down to the local drugstore's tube tester. We'd wind up replacing a handful of tubes, and then be amazed at how much better the picture and sound was. A year later the drill would repeat. What's the situation with tubed preamps? I see a lot of discussion about trying this brand of tube or the other... I'm wondering how much of that "improvement" is due simply to replacement of weak tubes with fresh ones. What kind of life can one expect from the tubes in a tubed preamp? How much does the sound deteriorate over time as the tubes wear out? Are tubed preamps intended only for those who want and like to fiddle with the innards of their equipment?