A technology based music device may not last forever, and ultimately will be replaced with a shiny new model, usually with a boatload of new features that are a great improvement, and an interface that makes it easier to use than ever. By way of reverse implication, one would be led to believe that tube amps are these eternal vampire-like creatures that last forever. But that is only partially true. This ignores the fact that
- tubes need to be changed regularly. New tubes are commonly deemed to be inferior to NOS tubes by the same people who will remind you that tubes are here to stay.
- Half the time, tubes need to be biased. If you can do this yourself, you will need equipment...probes, meters, and to be safe, a method to discharge the caps so you don't die. If you cannot do it, it will run you $90 an hour and take quite some effort to find a skillful amp tech in many areas. You may need to travel a bit.
- power transformers die and need to be replaced. This can happen instantly if you forget to connect a cord, connect an inadequate cord, or have a faulty connection with a cord to the required load. If you cannot change it yourself, that will cost you $90 hour
- output transformers die and need to be replaced. If you cannot change it yourself, that will cost you $90 hour
- Capacitors and resistors need to be replaced. But before you can do this, you need to figure out which of them needs replacing. This is not a simple endeavour. If you cannot do this yourself, that will cost you $90 hour
- NOS capacitors and resistors are often thought to be necessary to get the "classic tone" of tube amps. Same issue as tubes.
- if you try to work on your amp and make a mistake, you can die. No additional fees are involved here.
Managing the above is outside the skill set of most users, yet it is a regular part of an amp's existence. This must be taken into account when comparing it to the relative life span of digital equipment. Many would prefer to have a comparable tone from digital equipment and avoid these issues with tube amps, which are difficult and stressful, just as many would like to lease a car and avoid having to make repairs as a car gets old. Whether you can get a comparable tone from a tube amp is another debate. However, in my opinion, the cost and efforts of maintaining a tube amp is equal to or greater than the need for the periodic replacement of digital equipment, especially when you throw the risk of death into the mix.
of pre amp tubes,
