Myself and other geezer guitar amp users (in my case since 1962, but not professionally before 1967) were mostly clueless about preamp tubes and abused the hell out of tube amps with no MOLLYCODDLING. Whatever that means…very rare for a good tube amp to fail, even when abused 6 nights a week for several sets a night…my old Fenders…friggin' bulletproof.
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?
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.