Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

podaypodayson OP t1_jcwl37q wrote

Reply to comment by cropguru357 in BIFL home audio-the McIntosh MC275 by podaypodayson

Yes, the tubes will need occasional replacement, though these have been running for 16 years, so it’s not often. And of course they are user replaceable.

18

TaliesinWI t1_jcwzxrd wrote

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.

10

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.

5

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.

2