[stereocilia]

I've decided to sell my Audio by Van Alstine Fet Valve Ultra 550 (serial # 041607a) which was originally purchased as an Ultra 350 in April 2007.  In May 2008, it was upgraded to the 550.

There is a tiny blemish in the finish on top between the second and third screw on the front, I think you can see it in the photos.  The edge of the faceplate on top also has a tiny bit of silver visible through the   black anodization (is that a word?) which is difficult to notice.  It's otherwise perfect.

Right now, I have NOS Telefunken tubes installed, I also have some unused NOS GE tubes I will include as well as the original box and manual.

PayPal is preferred, and I would take $1200 including the fees if you pay for shipping.  I'm located in the west suburbs of Boston.

I'm selling to fund other non-audio-related projects.  PM me if you're interested; thanks for looking!

[martyo]

That's a lot of amp for the money, plus the TFK's.

[tonyptony]

You get another bump from me. If I didn't already own a 550 (Double+), this one would be mighty tempting. Are the Telefunkens ECC801S, ECC81, or 12AT7?

[stereocilia]

12at7.   I'm estimating very roughly that they have 1200 hours. 

[floresjc]

Is this a Double by chance? Also wondering about the tube life, how long can this go without changing tubes and rebiasing? I may be using my HT2's for tv watching as well as 2-channel audio, so any amp would see alot of hours.

[stereocilia]

Nope, sorry, not a double.  It didn't exist then.  As for tube life, I had the same stock jj tubes in for almost two years of moderate use with no signs of deterioration.  I replaced them preemptively, and then I got curious about what different tubes would do to the sound.  The answer: maybe a little better-sounding with the Telefunkens, certainly not not as much as I expected.  YMMV, but this amp seems relatively insensitive to tube rolling.

  From the manual:  "The original tubes should provide over two years of good service.  Because of our unique circuit topography, tube ageing will not cause significant sonic degradation. ..."  To my knowledge, the bias can't be changed by the user.

It occurs to me that every other tube thing I've ever owned has been a PITA in some way or another, but not this baby.  All hail the unique circuit topography.   

[jtwrace]

Is this a Double by chance? Also wondering about the tube life, how long can this go without changing tubes and rebiasing? I may be using my HT2's for tv watching as well as 2-channel audio, so any amp would see alot of hours.

You will not have an issue at all.  Many use them for theater / high hour use.  The other thing not to forget is that the tubes used are very reasonabley priced.  Basically what I'm saying is you can't go wrong and if you were to replace the tubes every 2-3 years, you'll be set.  Again, it will all depend on how many hours. 

Frank would obviously be the best one to ask but he has the multi-use budget minded in his products from what I've seen.

[Ericus Rex]

how long can this go without changing tubes and rebiasing?

Input and driver tubes don't need to be biased, only power tubes.  In my experience with hybrid amps, 2-3 years is extremely conservative stated life of tubes.  If you left the amp on 24/7 then you might only get 2-3 years of tube life.  I'd be very surprised if you wore the tubes out in 8-10 years with moderate use.  This is a great amp!  I have heard it several times at Stereocilia's pad and have always been impressed with its power and agility.

[floresjc]

PM sent to stereocilia, awaiting reply.

[stereocilia]

SOLD.  (see, we don't really *need* audiogon).