2. amps-preamps
  3. 1237897785

First Tube Amp: Advice? Keep spare tubes on hand?

I'll be receiving my first tube amp in a few days.
Please let me know the basics I NEED to know. I really want to know if I should keep a spare set of tubes on hand.
I have read the primers I could find on line.
I thank all of you excellent Audiogon'r's for your excellent advice and information in advance.

Richard
rhanechak
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
By all means, once you've decided the amp is a keeper, follow Tvad's advice. I also recommend that you keep extra output fuses around; when I blow a tube, I blow a fuse. I can replace my tube locally but not the fuse.
elevick
2,439 posts
 
Don't buy tubes yet. As long as you are careful and never mess with connections while the amp is on, you shouldn't be blowing tubes so easily. I haven't blown a tube in years. Yes, I have spares but mainly for fun.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Well, there you go Rhanechak. The advice boils down to: 1) buy spare tubes, or 2) don't buy spare tubes.

Isn't this fun?!

Good luck whatever you decide.
rhanechak OP
48 posts
 
Yup, I love all you guys.
Is this any way to run an airline?
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
One last thing: When you do blow a tube, it's not going to happen when you're running on the treadmill to "Night at the Roxbury". It's going to occur during an ethereal moment of musical epiphany. Be prepared!
More to discover