Conrad Johnson PV10A-Which Tubes ? When to Change?

Fredman,

I have a PV10BL. I liked the standard 6189's that come from the factory but I tried some CV4003's? Mullards. Not all tubes will work, the C-J needs a very quiet tube or it's snap, crackle, pop! The JAN (Joint Army-Navy) Phillips 6189 are VERY nice sounding tube and very robust. Tube life should be 2000-5000 hrs if I remember correctly.

Thanx
Russ

I believe CJ makes a comment on their web site concerning tube life on pre-amps. So you may want to do some purusing there. But basically I think they comment that pre-amp tubes should last 2 to 3 years under normal use.

As far as purchasing tubes. I have had good luck with the Tube Store and Triode Electronics; both have a web site you can order from. I have also purchased tubes from Conrad Johnson and as Sugarbrie suggests they are not the cheapest but if all you want is stock tubes they are a very good safe and reliables source.

Thanks, Chuck

I also have a cj pv 10.Two years after the purchace i replaced the tubes because of a microphonic tube. Well since then (cj replacements)they have worked perfectly for nearly 7yrs with med use so if its not broke don,t fix it.You have a very good pre amp enjoy!.