I've not tried any tube amps before, but how are they for maintenance wise? Like how often do we need to change the tubes, do they need to warm up before use?
I've also seen some hybrid tube-SS type amps, wonder how they compare to the true tube amps?
Wow, that's a great question! I probably only know about 1/4 of the answer in my experience, but I'd assume tube life is going to be somewhere between 5-7 years on these portable guys. Since they're hard-wired in, it's probably a run to fail thing, which was one of the reasons I didn't want to invest in it too heavily on the first purchase.
I would assume that a well-built tube amp would last longer than any of us here, so long as it was taken care of. Most of them are just blocks of metal or wood with sockets and a little circuitry; not many potential points of failure unless you start looking at some of the stuff that would have solid-state components integrated in.
Tubes are sort of like lightbulbs (really old school ones), and most of the best ones do require some warm-up, though some of the newest stuff is pretty much instant. As long as you don't leave the amp on all the time, or power cycle it 100 times a day, they should last a good while. As for maintenance, I don't really know of much maintenance that needs to be done, other than keep the system clean because dust is a great insulator, and can cause overheating (this is true with really any open style electronics).
But, if you get one with full sized (common) tubes, be careful of that rabbit hole. You have heard of tip rolling? Well, tube rolling is a bit more expensive of a venture. There are still some tubes floating around out there from the early 1900's, and they can get pretty expensive, but they are also considered some of the best sounding tubes still available.
Here is a great place to get your feet wet on tube rolling (even though this is for Little Dot, it is still relevant).
I have heard that those hybrid SS/Tube amps are pretty amazing technology, but to hear an old timer tube amper talk, the more analog the tube amp, the better. I am not sure if this is true but
here is a pretty good read on the differences, and how they may sound different in the end. Some argue that you can apply a "tube amp" filter on a SS amp and it sounds great, but those that are purists will argue that it is heresy. You be the judge.....
BTW! sorry to be so off topic. How bout this? I finally heard back from Ucotech on ordering those ES-P1, and red ES1003 Diva. It only took 1 1/2 weeks to get to the point where I might get to START the order...
In the meantime, I am burning in the Chaconne, and will share my thoughts before long.. Hint: they are REALLY good!