tube upgrade for first sound

I asked emmanuel about "upgraded" OA2 tubes. He kind of poo poo'd the idea. apparently its a binary thing: it works or it's out, without any real difference in the sound of different OA's. Dan makes a good point, however, need to periodically look into that puppy to make sure the OA2's are on (easier at night), they have a cool blue glow.

Yeah, the $75 minimum was a shocker. So I ordered two sets of OA2's (in case I keep the First Sound forever) plus the EH 6922's and thereby met the minimum. But there must be another source for OA2's, and Music Direct sells the EH tubes for less than New Sensor does. I just wanted to get it over with. Emmanuel recommended the Russian OA2's that New Sensor sells on the basis of reliability (not sonics) vs. other OA2's.

I've been running my new FS for 8+ days now. It's only been shut down to discharge the caps, as Emmanuel recommends. I've noticed that this unit NEVER, becomes even slightly warm. Does this translate to being very kind to the tubes in the pre? Just curious.
Thanks guys
pt

By the way.....What is with the price of tubes!!!? YIKES!!!!! I hope the FS is kind to tubes. :-)

paul - after the month of play, there are many tube options to consider, as has been outlined extensively here. the 7308's and 6922's are designed for looong life, the 6DJ8's somewhat less. i havent had mine long enough to weigh in on how the FS itself affects tube life.

Mine never gets warm either, not at all. some of that might be the power supply living in another box.....