Tung-Sol.com:: FAQs Will the tubes in my amp all wear out at the same rate?

FAQs

Question:
Will the tubes in my amp all wear out at the same rate?
Answer:
The hardest working tubes in an amplifier are the power tubes. These should be purchased and replaced in matched sets. A set of matched power tubes will work together and wear at the same rate. They will also sound better and last longer than unmatched tubes.

The next hardest working tube is the driver tube. This is the tube that drives the power tubes. In a push-pull amplifier this tube is usually the phase inverter and it is frequently installed next to the power tubes. Many technicians replace this tube when they replace the power tubes.

Rectifier tubes also dissipate a lot of power, but normally when they fail, they either completely lose emission or short out. There have been some cases where the rectifier will lose some emission, but the amplifier will still function, but will sound weak and lifeless. If the other tubes have already been replaced, it may be time to install a new rectifier.

Preamp tubes are generally not driven that hard and will usually last longer than the other tubes in the amplifier. Some high gain amplifiers drive these tubes harder than vintage amplifiers, so they may need to be replaced more often.

If the amplifier starts to sound dull, lacking response and punch, it is a good indication that the tubes need to be replaced. First start with the power tubes and work your way back through the driver and preamp toward the inputs until the proper sound of your amplifier is restored.

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