Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site
In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Initial thoughts about new/old Lamm ML2s
Post Subject: The Days of Our (Tubes') LivesPosted by Paul S on: 1/5/2008
Thanks for the rejoinder, including the corrections and tips, Romy.
I well remember Lamm saying that we should junk our ML2s now because the parts are "worn out". While that does not cause me to think he does not know what he is doing it naturally causes me to suspect his motives, at least from that point on. I did not mention it, but by the time I swapped out my former 6C33Cs I did have some channel imbalance, which was "corrected" by the new V2s, along with the bass. Sure, it could be a coincidence, but unless the current V2s melt down even sooner than the Lamm pair I would have to say I've at least found a new source of tubes. If I really can easily test from lots myself without spending 2k on a high-voltage tester (like Chait uses, if that means anything...), then I am eager to give it a try. It about drives me nuts that the 6C33C can be bought so cheaply in lots; but then I have no idea what percentage of them typically wind up passing muster for V2 or what percentage typically get tossed out. I do suspect the percentage of clinkers yet does not "justify" the price Lamm charges, however, and I do hate even thinking I am being or have been ripped off. Remember, I bought my ML2s used just to avoid Lamm's intended price of admission, which just seemed amazingly arbitrary and even silly at the time. Likewise, in a lesser sense, the 6N6Ps, except they really are cheap and easy enough to just plug in and see what happens.
When I look at the 6N6P it does look "cheap". But I think the 6C33Cs actually look "tough", very solidly made, at least structurally.
I have found some consistently-good Russian-made tubes, but none of them are "Russian tubes", if you know what I mean. So I am at once both baffled and amused that the ML2 combines the real "Russian tubes" to such good effect.
As far as the "life" of a tube, it may well be that others would use them longer than I do, since I only ultimately care about the sound I am getting. As performance drifts south, I begin to think about a replacement. I am just reporting my own experience with sound, really, and any second-guessing about how long the tubes "should" last is just venting, as my experience with the ML2 and its tubes is so limited, apart from the 12AX7. If those went any time soon I would be not only surprised but also pissed off, as good 12AX7s have typically lasted many years in my experience.
Best regards,
Paul SRerurn to Romy the Cat's Site