[Hoppergrass]

i have an interest in purchasing my first tube amp, probably in the sub $200 range. (maybe a little dot II++ ?) i'm pretty ignorant to tubes and have a couple of questions if there is a kind soul that could give me some help. i've done a bit of reading but still haven't found out how long tubes will last at say: 10 hours a week (as it will be sitting second chair to my heed). also, how are they replaced? i'm assuming i can do it myself. do they screw in or snap in or what. i want to start off small and was looking a at little dot model. any other suggestions for <$200 USD? thanks in advance.

sg

 

[mirumu]

At least some of your questions will be answered in the Tube FAQ. I don't know about too many other options in that price range but the Xiang Sheng 708B is one, I own one of these myself. Not sure how it compares to the other options but it's a nice sounding amp.

 

[Duc]

Most tubes are rated for approx 5000 hours. However some of the military spec ones will last longer. The tubes plug in much like you plug a power cord to the wall and can be easily swapped in and out by the user.

 

[drarthurwells]

2000 to 5000 hours is about right for the life of a tube.

The Xian Sheng 708B is a bargain for $200.

 

[terriblepaulz]

check this out

http://www.eddiecurrent.com/lunchbox.htm

I have no idea what it sounds like, matching to 'phones etc. It's just on my research/wish list.

 

[penguindude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by terriblepaulz /img/forum/go_quote.gif check this out http://www.eddiecurrent.com/lunchbox.htm I have no idea what it sounds like, matching to 'phones etc. It's just on my research/wish list.

I thought the lunchbox only drives high-impedance phones well....

 

[jxn]

the lunchbox prolly wouldn't serve you well.. it was made for high imp cans... although there were reports sayin that it does work with low-imp headphones just as well.. i wouldn't know the long term implications of that tho...

 

[robm321]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirumu /img/forum/go_quote.gif At least some of your questions will be answered in the Tube FAQ. I don't know about too many other options in that price range but the Xiang Sheng 708B is one, I own one of these myself. Not sure how it compares to the other options but it's a nice sounding amp.

Thanks for the link. Very nice primer on tube basics

 

[pelayostyle]

What about a little dot 2 ++ ?