Tubes for Audible Illusions Modulus 3A?

The AI supplied tubes work quite well and in the long run probably save you money and certainly will save you the frustration you're experiencing now. Just spend the money. Heck, I just layed out $140 for a pair of tubes for my newest preamp and it requires a total of nine tubes. There is no free ride, and IMO as a previous AI owner, the performance to cost ratio of these preamps is quite high.

Lugnut makes a good point. Even stock tubes from the Audio Manufacturer are usually tested and screened better.Don't forget they also want there stuff to sound there best.I have been buying stock tubes from Thor Audio for 8 years and never had a problem.Are they a little more expensive that way? Yah a bit ,but I know they have been screened and tested and with that I get great sound with long life...I would go with the Manufacturer.

I use matched 6H23-EBs from Kevin Deal at $30.00 each (this is NOT expensive) with excellent luck. I used them in my previous 3A as well.

Jcus/Jerry-

I have a AI M3A (love it, great preamp), but I only get to listen on the weekends, sometimes every other weekend. I used to leave it on stand-by all the time, but more recently, like this summer with the heat, I have been turning the preamp all the way off (at the wall) off on Sunday night, and back on the following Saturday (or 2 weeks later). Is this going to be better or worse for tube life than just leaving it on stand-by at all times (which is certainly worse for the electric bill and the enviroment)?

Docknow, Judging from your message, I see nothing wrong with disconnecting AC from your M3a/audio system during long periods. I highly reccommend this practice during lightning storms. Your M3a uses apx 45 volts which won't make much of a dent in your electric bill. Don't know about the rest of your system. Regards, Jerry