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TaliesinWI t1_jcwzxrd wrote

Reply to comment by podaypodayson in BIFL home audio-the McIntosh MC275 by podaypodayson

Comes down to number of hours they're run, not how many years they've been installed. 2500 hours is a good rule of thumb, but if the amp is a conservative design (doesn't run the tubes that hard) you might get even more out of them.

Pre-amp or small signal tubes usually last even longer.

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podaypodayson OP t1_jcxs00m wrote

Absolutely. I use it about 2-3 hours a day, so I’m prepared to replace them any day now.

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TheInebriati t1_jczf7qp wrote

I much more reliable indicator of tube health is how hot they’re biased. Tubes biased close to the crossover can last a loooong time.

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