Tube Replacement?

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Nclutters
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Tube Replacement?

Post by Nclutters » Fri Jan 20, 2023 11:22 am

I just recently traded for a Peavey 5150 ii. Previous owner said the tubes haven’t been changed out once. This means the tubes in it are over 20 years old.

As far as I know it cranks on and sounds fine, but should I worry about replacing these soon?
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Pappy B
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Re: Tube Replacement?

Post by Pappy B » Mon Jan 23, 2023 5:38 pm

If it plays well I wouldn't be in a hurry to replace them. Get to know the amp and it will let you know when it needs attention. I've got a lot of tube radios. Some date back to the 30's and still at least one original tube in them. I still have the original Sylvania 6L6's out of my Classic VT. They test fine and sound good. I pulled them to save them for use latter on. While I was working on the chassis I decided that I rather blow a cheap Russian tube if I did something wrong.
The more I learn the more I realize how much I don't know.

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j0nsnell
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Re: Tube Replacement?

Post by j0nsnell » Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:45 am

If it sounds and performs well, I would leave well alone.
When valves wear, they go low emision, meaning the output power is reduced and distortion increases as the valves loses their emision.
They don't just stop.
If, on the other hand, they have been abused or over loaded, they can flash over internally, causing minor damage to screen grid resistors, (R2003/5/7/ 9) or just blowing the fuse F1. One normally gets a warning first, often ignored by non technical players on stage competing for the most noise level.

Nice amplifier!

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