Dear JV, regarding tubes life of ARC pre amp

TOGA -- Tue, 07/13/2010 - 14:21

Hello again,
                  I've been told by ARC that 6550 and 6H30 in ARC preamp power supply section last only 2000 hours,
while the rest of 6H30s in audio circuit will last 5000 hours . I'm not quire sure about 6H30 in power supply,
I might remember incorrectly, but I'm Sure they said 6550 lasts 2000 hrs.
                 Is this correct ? Because I don't see something about shorter life of preamp power supply tubes in their
website. http://www.audioresearch.com/vacuum.html.
               Can you please clarify this for me ?
                                      Thank you
                                     TOGA

Jonathan Valin -- Tue, 07/13/2010 - 20:23

TOGA,,
I don't know the answer to your question about shorter power-supply tube life in the Reference 5 linestage (I assume that's the ARC unit we're talking about), but I will call ARC and find our. However, I think whoever told you this may be mixed up. Here is what ARC says about tube life on its Web site at www.audioresearch.com/vacuum.html: "Generally, preamplifier tubes last 5,000 hours or more, while power amplifier output tubes will last up to 2,000 hours [italics added by me]." I think your informant may be confusing power-amplifier output tubes with power-supply tubes. However, just to make sure, I'll ask ARC.

Jon

TOGA -- Thu, 07/15/2010 - 02:50

Hi,thanks Jon
Info I got was from someone in ARC, I called them, and got answer from on gentleman. He said that At 2000 hours I replace 6550 in power supply
section and may be with 6H30 in power supply too, then at 4000 hours I change all tubes altogether and reset the counter.
He said 6550 of , yes, REF 5, last 2000. It would be great to have you verify with them regarding this tubes life matter. Really thanks.

TOGA

marty817 -- Wed, 08/04/2010 - 20:21

TOGA,
Why are you asking JV to validate what ARC has already told you? ARC's information was indeed accurate. The BH30s are spec'd for 5000 Hrs, and the 6550 in the power supply is spec'd for 2500 Hrs. Replacing them at 4000 and 2000 hours respectively is a good conservative approach.
Marty

TOGA -- Wed, 08/18/2010 - 09:34

I want his validatation because of --- > http://www.audioresearch.com/vacuum.html
is not the same as a guy on a phone told me. And JV have good knowledge about ARC gears.
But now it is clear when I got the preamp delivered. It is said in the manual that 6550s lasts 2000 and all 6H30s 4000.
So ARC should update the web site.