The problem with tubes is they slowly degrade. I recently purchased new speakers and they didn't really sound like they did in the showroom..... At first I attributed it to break in , which I think in all honestly is more of your ears acclimating to a different sonic signature. But then I thought , how many hours are on these tubes? So I retubed and what a difference. Not that it sounded horrible , but it was lacking dynamics and sounded recessed. Things really opened up with new EL34s. I would estimate they had about 2500 or more hours. I listen a lot , music , tv, and movies. For NOS tubes , Brent Jesse is a good source. For current production I would suggest Jim Mc Shane for the simple reason that your amps use four tubes each. He is reputable and will send you 8 matched tubes . I have monos and I know , you dont really have to have 8 matched but I like to have a matched quad , two in each amp just so both amps are "the same" with regard to tubes.
Tube life
Greetings,
Wondering if my tubes or my hearing’s going. Feeling my system should sound better. Bought Vandersteen Quatros 2 months ago and believe I've got them dialed in fairly well. I include this because I don't have years of listening to them to compare back to. Have to turn my CJ Premier 16 pre to about 43 to get a decent amount of sound. These Quatros replaced Tannoy Kensingtons that only needed a volume setting of 32 for a decent amount of sound.
System is:
•
Pre: Conrad Johnson Premier 16LS
• Pwr: Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono Blocks
• Pwr Condtnr: Shunyata Hydra
• Speakers: Vandersteen Quatros
• Cabeling: Stealth PGS IC’s, Vandenhull Bi-wire Speaker wiring
• Sources: Conrad Johnson DV-2B CD Player, SOTA Star w/SME arm w/Benz
cart, Magnum Dynalab Tube Tun
• Music: Classic Rock, Easy listening, Female Jazz singers,
Classical
• Room: Big (25 X 30) w/cathedral ceiling. Harwood floors/ceiling
and big glass windows. Rugs and furniture
Replaced all unit's tubes 5 years ago and bought them all from Conrad Johnson. Play the system about 10 hours a week so that would be about 2600 hours of play.
Think the tubes have seen their better days? My hearing? I'm 56...
Thank you!