Aging output tubes. . . not a great thing like aging spirits can be!

Almost any time that I have output tubes and start thinking it's time for new tubes I start tinkering and tuning and I get over the idea that the tubes need replacing. I compensate and get great sounds for a while. Then I tend to rinse and repeat.

But when the notion hits me again, the third time, I usually substitute new tubes. . . and wish I had done it sooner!

There definitely is a zenith point with the tubes where they are sounding unreally good, being all they can be, and then there's a decline in sound quality or at least 100 percent effectiveness of the tube itself doing its job. I really need to pay attention to earlier warning signs and just replace tubes--I tend to keep them about 1.5 times longer than I should, which for my useage of the EP15P tubes should be about a year.

Today new tubes from Steve have just about settled in and the sound is transporting! I really love these tubes that Steve tests and matches with such attention. I have other versions of these tubes that just don't quite sound as dynamic or open. I think in this output type the bass mellows in a way I like, but the high frequency especially and the mid-range in a lesser way become less accurate and pleasing. Note to self: new tubes are a great thing, don't postpone that plateau.

.....thanks Lon ....I will start looking and order some new ones ... It will be a year in a few months and I will have some on hand...give Sarah a call and have her add them to my order that will be ready to ship in a few weeks.

Thanks again
Greg

I definitely recall the '15P's I had in the Zen at my office system. I found I was turning up the volume more and more looking for that dynamic sound, which was fading. I recall when I replaced the outputs everything changed for the better.

Has anyone tried 6P15P-ER vacuum tubes? They are considered a "Durable" version of 6P15P-EV. 6P15P-ER are rated as a 10,000hr tube!