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Life of KT150 tubes on ARC Amps

I have Audio Research 250SE amps and the tubes in it have 2400 Hours. I wanted to hear experience from other ARC users if they replaced KT150 tubes before 3000 Hours.  I am not sure if i need to replace them now or wait for some more time.   I dont have new set of tubes for me to compare with my current tubes and wanted to hear from other people who replaced the tubes.

veerapaneni
veerapaneni OP
107 posts
 
I have get around 123 Volts and i bias my amps every few months.
johnss
291 posts
 
I would be surprised if the KT-150s are worn out after 2400 hours. 3000 to 4000 hours may be a better point to pull and test.

If you are that concerned why not get them tested. I use KT-150s on a daily basis and have periodically tested them. Quite a ways from wear out.


joecasey
365 posts
 
From what I heard, ARC recommended tube hours is based on performance and not tube life.
david12
1,398 posts
 

I am very happy with my 75SE, which has been upgraded to SE status for at least 3 years. I haven't replaced the tubes and have no idea how many hours they have on the clock. I listen a lot to my Stax l700 ear speakers anyway, so don't believe I am over 2000 hours.

 I have to say that the numerous stories of damage when a tube blows, do concern me. Are there any other clues to near failure, such as wandering bias? It would be nice to change them just before one blows. My amp only has 4 tubes, but they are still costly when you have retired.


jea48
2,944 posts
 
veerapaneni OP107 posts01-30-2019 7:32pm

I read they are good for 3000 Hours but at 2400 hours they are not sounding that great and always played at very low volumes. I am doubting the 3000 hours number now and that’s why i posted this topic originally, to get other user opinions on the SE line Amps.


I read they are good for 3000 Hours but at 2400 hours they are not sounding that great and always played at very low volumes.


"at 2400 hours they are not sounding that great"........

Time to replace the tubes!


At $44000 I would want the amps to sound their best. Period. No way in hell I would go over 3000 hrs. What do you think it will cost to send one or both amps back to ARC for repair if a tube/s shorts out and causes internal damage?


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