Questions from a Tube Preamp newbie

The JJ's are still running strong after over a year of everyday listening. After new years I think I will try Gold Lions from Cryost or from Upscale Audio with their CJ/Rogue match option.

As an aside, I like all the JJs I’ve had (all preamp or driver small tubes) except the KT77s, as they lasted about one day in my Dennis Had se amp before I rejected them. They are cheap however...after I recovered from that experience with 77s I eventually bought a pair of the Gold Lions and they’re the best of any type (88s, 120s, 150s, etc.) of anything I’ve tried in that amp...a very nice tube indeed.

JUST A NOTE ABOUT CRYOSET...Ron Sheldon is very ill and has sold off his tubes and other gear.  A terrible shame.  I have had great performance from his cryo'd tubes.  Unfortunately bad things do happen to good people.😔

I left my VAC Standard on 24/7/365 for three years and the (2) 12AX7 and (2) 12AU7 were fine, Plus the case was sealed. (and still only became a little warm._ so if a tube exploded. it would be kept in the case. All otehr preamps I own have open slots or grillwork, or a plexiglass cage (CJ.)                     
I played music every day all day.                
For the (3) 6DJ8 in my ARC SP-15 I leave it off since I do not use it a lot. I want them to last a long time.                      
For the Conrad Johnson ACT2 which is a oven when on, I turn it off due to the heat.                        
The Audible Illusions Modulus 3A I turn off to save the tubes also.    
                       

So sorry to hear about Ron Sheldon. I hope he improves