retube order

smak · 4th March 2007, 11:21 AM

i was just cuious what order an amp sound be retubed in.

assuming it was set up with fresh NOS quality tubes in the first place, would the first to fade/affect performance be the rectifier tube, signal or power tubes.

what about delaying replacement, would that put extra strain on transformers or other components?

Eli Duttman · 4th March 2007, 01:47 PM

The "usual" pattern is power tubes having the shortest life, small signal tubes living longer, and rectifiers living very long. It's common for a Mullard made GZ34/5AR4 to serve for 20 years.

smak · 4th March 2007, 01:49 PM

if you neglect replacement of power tubes will it shorten signal rectifier tube life? really bad for transformers etc?

Tom Bavis · 4th March 2007, 06:52 PM

The sound will suffer if a tube gets weak, but the rest of the unit won't. If a tube SHORTS, it might take out a transformer... hopefully a fuse will protect things though. A worn-out rectifier will sometimes flash over... but others usually weaken gradually.

smak · 4th March 2007, 06:55 PM

cool thnx.. always wondered.

4th March 2007, 11:21 AM	#1
smak diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada	retube order i was just cuious what order an amp sound be retubed in. assuming it was set up with fresh NOS quality tubes in the first place, would the first to fade/affect performance be the rectifier tube, signal or power tubes. what about delaying replacement, would that put extra strain on transformers or other components?

4th March 2007, 01:47 PM	#2
Eli Duttman diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Plainsboro, NJ	The "usual" pattern is power tubes having the shortest life, small signal tubes living longer, and rectifiers living very long. It's common for a Mullard made GZ34/5AR4 to serve for 20 years. __________________ Eli D.

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4th March 2007, 01:49 PM	#3
smak diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada	if you neglect replacement of power tubes will it shorten signal rectifier tube life? really bad for transformers etc?

4th March 2007, 06:52 PM	#4
Tom Bavis diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Macedon NY	The sound will suffer if a tube gets weak, but the rest of the unit won't. If a tube SHORTS, it might take out a transformer... hopefully a fuse will protect things though. A worn-out rectifier will sometimes flash over... but others usually weaken gradually.

4th March 2007, 06:55 PM	#5
smak diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada	cool thnx.. always wondered.

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