[mg8]

Hi All,

I just received a new FET Valve CF preamp and a one year old 600r amp is on its way.  I have not had a hybrid tube/SS product before and I am very excited.  I am less familiar with the "small tubes" than let's say an EL34 or KT88 that require more frequent replacement. 

In the preamp, I expect these tubes to reach 8-10 thousand hours of use (12AT7, 12AU7).  Is this a fair estimate?

In the amp, should I expect the same duration (12AT7) or is it reduced to something more like typical amp output tubes (e.g. a KT88)?

Anyone try the Mullard NOS (military) or Psvane in either of these products?  I'm in no rush to change tubes but on the used amp I may just for a "known" starting point.

Many thanks, Mike

[gadfly]

Hello Mike,

I received a new CF pre and 600R approximately 2 wks. ago.  The accompanying AVA literature states that the tubes
for both the pre and amp are good for 2 yrs. plus.  I too would appreciate an hr. estimate as individual use varies.
Also, is there more tube stress caused by turning units off and on.   Some days I may have 3-4 listening sessions
and wonder if it is tube smart to leave the unit on if I am breaking for an hr. or more?

Gad-

[modular747]

In the amp, should I expect the same duration (12AT7) or is it reduced to something more like typical amp output tubes (e.g. a KT88)?

The tubes in the 600r don't drive speaker loads and will have a similar lifespan to the preamp tubes

[mg8]

Thanks for the responses.  My gut told me they would have more life than an output tube.

[Kwebb]

Gadfly,

How does your FET Valve sound with the 600R??  your initial thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated.

Kyle

[mg8]

Hello Mike,

I received a new CF pre and 600R approximately 2 wks. ago.  The accompanying AVA literature states that the tubes
for both the pre and amp are good for 2 yrs. plus.  I too would appreciate an hr. estimate as individual use varies.
Also, is there more tube stress caused by turning units off and on.   Some days I may have 3-4 listening sessions
and wonder if it is tube smart to leave the unit on if I am breaking for an hr. or more?

Gad-

I run the gear 23.5 hours continuously for the recommended break-in time or 200 hours (whatever is longer).  This cycle I use for cables or electronics, tube or SS.  The 30 minutes down time is to let A/C drain out to a "cold" status and power up from there for the next 23.5 hours.  I also send mainly  a continuous brown noise signal when not playing music for two reasons: (1.) the brown noise most closely represents audio in its full-spectrum random noise that gives the midrange and bass drivers a workout, and (2.) it is arhythmic and can be unnoticed in the house 'round the clock as low level background noise.  The brown noise is not a flat random noise noise.  It has a bias towards the midrange and lower frequencies.  I've tried several breaking tactics and lie this one the best.  The brown noise source is from the Arye IBE disc - a multifaceted piece of audio software, high recommendation for break-in and tune-up.

Mike

[mg8]

Gadfly,

How does your FET Valve sound with the 600R??  your initial thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated.

Kyle

I'd love to hear your impressions as well.  I have a set of Psvane 12AT7/12AU7 standing by for the preamp.  I bought into the hype - we'll see if it is a betterment.  If so, I'll spring for the Psvane 12AT7 amp tubes.

[gadfly]

CF pre & 600r perceptions 2 wks. 50+ hrs.

I can't separately rate either  component.  These impressions are listening perceptions post adding the
AVA combo to my digital front end and HT3 spkrs.  Not owning tubes for decades I can't compare AVA
to other tube gear.  My foray into hi-res is recent.

Given the source is well recorded, produced and mastered, the emotion of the music overwhelms any
thoughts of the equipment; stunning with hi-res.

no listening fatigue-hrs. and hrs.

heat not an issue- cases for pre and amp have slightest warmth

goodbye digital edge- pre 6 tubes many recordings had digital edge (solid state dac + D power), post tubes,
                                same solid state dac + AVA combo, all smooth…..

On not well mastered recordings the highs and mids are not distracting.  Poorly mastered bass, as in blurred
and boomy, is more palpable with the new gear vs. the replaced class D components.  Well recorded bass
bass has individual character vs. a sameness with class D.

My decades long audio journey feels like a destination.  I'm done chasing equipment.

gad-