Tube preamp reliability vs SS?


I am considering buying a Conrad Johnson classic 2se pre or a used McCormack LD-2 preamp. 

 I have never used a tube pre, and am curious as to the reliability of the tube, I like to be able to turn it on, maybe wait 30 min for warm up before jamming tunes.  This is fine, my concern is the reliability of the tube, how long will it last?, also, is it a pain to change when it goes bad? Can I change myself, or must I send to factory just for this small tube? 

  • Would the the action of me putting in the new tube void any warranty, not that 3 years is long anyway  when it comes to warranties. 
arcticdeth

Showing 1 response by almarg

Excellent comments by the others. 

A concern I would have with both of the preamps you mentioned, especially if you are using digital sources, is their very high gain (specified as 20 db for the LD-2, and either 22 or 27 db for the CJ depending on what document is looked at).  If you are using a digital source, most of which provide non-adjustable maximum output levels of 2 volts or more, such high gains are very likely (depending on the gain of your power amp and the sensitivity of your speakers) to cause you to have to operate the volume control too close to the bottom of its range.

That is less likely to be an issue with vinyl sources, but depending on cartridge output and phono stage gain it could also be a problem in some cases.

Many other CJ line stages, btw, also have gains in the mid-20s.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al