Valve pre-amp maintenance and purchase

[Commited]

Hi,
I'm seriously thinking of buying a valve pre-amp to go with a pair of class-t amps (bi-amped charlize).
I just want to dispell the myths and get the truthes.

Now, I realise that valves have a certain finite life.
My question is - how much maintenance (valve replacement and other) will a valve pre-amp require in its life time?

I believe average life for a valve pre-amp is about 4years - is valve replacement generally reasonably straight forward (i.e a bit of soldering)?

Do valves gradually degrade or does the 4years refer to when the valve starts to degrade?

I have no problem with having to change the valves every couple of years if it means i can have the gorgeous smooth valve sound that I've always wanted (obviously i realise that valve power amps will do this better, but I cant afford them just yet!).

Sorry if the questions are all very obvious, but people are trying to put me off buying a valve pre-amp and I want to!

Cheers,
Mark

[DigitalJunkie]

If they aren't abused and run over ratings,etc. they could last decades.

Usually it's not hard to change them,there are usually sockets,though I have seen some tubes soldered directly into PCB's.

[Commited]

Great!

http://www.wiredstate.com/forum/view...=tono+violin+c
This is the amp I'm looking at. Opinions?

Cheers,
Mark

[Commited]

Also - what is meant by Tube rolling?

[anatech]

Hi Mark,
I haven't heard that preamp, but it looks well made from the outside. Those tubes will be in sockets.

The brand of tubes they are using are pretty good. I like them. "Tube rolling" is simply trying out different brands of tubes in the same sockets. Sometimes different tube numbers are used, but you should be more cautious about that.

-Chris

[SY]

Originally posted by Commited
Also - what is meant by Tube rolling?

The practice of substituting different brands of tubes in and out, in and out, in and out, giving a casual listen each time, then pronouncing worthless opinions on the massive nonexistent differences.

[anatech]

Hi SY,

then pronouncing worthless opinions on the massive nonexistent differences.

This is only true if the equipment has been properly engineered!

Well, the worthless opinion part still holds true I guess.

-Chris

[Commited]

Do you think it is good value at US$500 including shipping?

I wouldn't be going the DIY route, but are there any other good pre-amps available at this price? Apparently this pre is being sold in the US for $1200 and is replacing $2000-3000 pre-amps in certain systems.

So the only maintenance this amp will need in the next xx years, assuming it's not abused is simply to replace the valves?


SY,
I guess you dont believe in tube rolling then

[anatech]

Hi Mark,
To comment on the value of this product, I'd have to see it, hear it and (for me, pull it apart). Then it would simply be my opinion. The question is, is it worth it to you?

If this is designed properly, you should only need to change tubes every 5 ~ 15 years or so. It depends on where the designer set the operating point for those tubes.

-Chris

[Commited]

Hi Chris,

At the moment, for me it's alot of money. Even more so now I've been told it will be $700 with all taxes etc.
I'm out of work (finishing university) so I may have to leave valve pre-amps to a later stage in my hifi career. I suppose it would at least give me more of a chance to do more research and possibly learn how to build one!

I'm currently very torn. I hate buying stuff without hearing it, but it paid off with the t-amp and the NOS dac. I know I wouldn't be disapointed with this (Ultimate plan is to have valve pre/power set up), but I feel that my speakers need attention (lowly B&W 602) before I buy an expensive pre-amp.

Mark