Power Tubes
I'm planning to order two new power tubes for another amp and while I was at it thought I'd include a spare EL84 for my Kalamazoo Model One. My guess is the Raytheon 6BQ5 tube now in the amp is original or close to it. That would make it almost 50 years old though hard to say how much use it's actually seen. My question is, even though a power tube is working fine, no microphonics or other issues, do they gradually wear out and should regular replacement be a general part of amp maintenance? Would a new tube in this instance give the amp a new life disregarding any inherent tonal differences between tubes? Thanks!
The Sovtek is only about $10 locally so I'll give it a try. Two followup questions.
1) Wondering more about general maintenance. If tube checking or testing is recommended how would a typical consumer go about getting that done given the low price of new replacement power tubes?
2) If having a backup power tube is a good idea would a backup 6X4 rectifier tube also be a good idea?
Thanks!
Smoke- I'm not really suggesting that everyone needs to have all their tubes regularly checked by a pro with all kinds of test equipment etc. My main point for you would be to just relax..... an amp like your Kalamazoo is very easy on tubes and they will usually last for many years. And yes!! Why not a back-up 6X4? My last point is that your amp is also an excellent tube-tester for 12AX7s, 6BQ5s, or 6X4s. Just plug it in....... if it sounds better to you, then use that tube!
I like the idea of an amp with a baseline working tone being used as a tester of the various tubes it uses. As a guitar player I own several other amps so I can see how to make this approach work. Thanks Skip.
Hello SmokeJS- All tubes wear out over time, but often it is a VERY long time and regular replacement should not be part of general maintenance in my opinion. Checking/testing yes. Replacing no. I regularly hear from people whose amp troubles actually started when they decided to change tubes!
Now back to your Kalamazoo. While your Raytheon may sound great and continue working for many years, why not try a new one? They are inexpensive and certainly could alter (or even improve!) the sound of the amp. Just plug it in and see what you think! I would not be surprised if it kicked up the bass a little...... The Sovtek EL84 is a reliable choice. If you can't hear a difference or you prefer the Raytheon, then at least you have a back-up tube for your amp, which is always a good idea.