http://www.butleraudio.com/homefaq.php#roll
Q: Can I "tube roll"?
A: If the question means "can you change the tubes that come with the amplifier to another type", the answer is yes, and no. Yes, if you are skilled in electronics, you could change the tube. And no, it is not easily performed nor desired:
- The tubes are soldered into place for reliability thus you would need to change not only the tube but also the mounting scheme in order to accommodate a different type of tube
- The circuit is not designed to accommodate any other tube and no other tube type will perform better.
Q: What is "tube rolling"?
A: "Tube rolling" is a term used to describe when a person decides to alter the sound of a tube amplifier by changing the output tube to a different type/version on the premise that various tube types "sound" different. The premise is based on the idea that each different tube type has a different electrical characteristic and that by testing various tube types, you will find the "magic one" that will make the amplifier sound the best. Unfortunately, this "idea" stems from experiences people have with "typical" tube amplifiers. Because the TubeDriver BLUE amplifiers employ the patented TubeDriver BLUE circuitry, tube rolling is neither necessary nor desired. The patented TubeDriver BLUE circuitry delivers the "live stage" and "recording studio" sound via the thermionic emissions of the tube rather than the overload characteristics of the tube, like typical tube amplifiers. The 6SL7GT twin-triode tube was specifically selected for it's thermionic/emissive qualities and is an integral component in the natural, transparent, clean sound TubeDrive BLUE amplifiers deliver.
Q: Do the tubes break?
A: The design of the amplifiers makes the tubes very shock resistant and they have proven extremely reliable over time. The only time you should experience a tube failure is if a tube is directly struck and the glass cracks, releasing the vacuum. A cracked tube voids the warranty.
Q: Do the tubes wear out? How often will I need to change the tubes?
A: The tubes are driven at less than 5% of their maximum rating and thus are not stressed like in a typical tube amplifier. Under normal use, they should not need replacement.
They claim that tube rolling is unnecessary and their tubes sound the best. Is this just a gimmick or is there some actual 'science' behind their claims? I don't have much (read: ANY) experience with tube amps so I'm not sure whether to take this with a grain of salt or if I should check it out further.
Anyone on Head-Fi have experience with this company and their amps?
