Question on Aesthetix / Tube Maintenance

R

robertkat

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May 2, 2016
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Hello,

I am looking at upgrading my 2 channel system and Aesthetix (Atlas / Calypso) is one of the two at the top of my list. Given that I currently do not have tubes, what should I expect in terms of maintenance of the system? How often do you find yourself replacing the tubes? How much does it usually cost? Is it easy to figure out which tube is the issue? Do you just replace them all after a given time? Do they degrade the sound quality over time or is it like a light bulb and just goes out?

Thanks
Rob
 
Rob,

I have used my Calypso Sig for years with the same tubes. I always put the unit in standby when not in use. Small signal tubes rarely fail catastrophically. Mostly they just fade away. Replace them in pairs when you stop enjoying the music and it seems like something is missing.

If I remember correctly the Atlas only uses one small tube/channel. They should also last a long time.

Replacements are not expensive if you stick with new production tubes like come with Aesthetix equipment. New tube prices are easy for you to check. It can get more expensive if you want to try NOS.

Good luck.
 
Hi Rob, welcome to AS! I have two buddies who both own the higher end Aesthetix Io/Callisto combos. They make exceptionally musical sounding gear but as with any tube gear you have to go in expecting that there will be some maintenance required over time. Occasionally a tube will just blow and go out like a light bulb (there is a filament heater in tubes which is similar to that in a bulb), but more common is that they'll start getting noisy or losing gain. Some users replace all tubes at a set interval (like yearly or longer) depending upon hours of use, but as long as you're not encountering any issues many preamp type tubes can last in some circuits for many years without problems. Some specific circuit designs are harder on tubes and tend to go through them more frequently. The cost of tubes varies widely depending upon what you choose to replace them with, i.e. current production preamp tubes can sell for $25 - $50 each but if you want a specific desirable New Old Stock variety which many audiophiles prefer you can sometimes spend $100 - $200 per tube depending upon availability and market demand. Diagnosing a tube problem is usually pretty straight forward, starting with determining if it's a preamp tube or power amp tube by reversing the pre-power interconnects and seeing if the problem switches channels. Then you can switch out individual left and right tubes in the offending piece of gear to find the specific troublesome tube. Don't be intimidated, it's not usually that difficult and the manufacturer will work with you on specific issues and you can always get great support here as well. Good luck and enjoy the tunes!
 
In regards to maintenance there really isn't any until a tube goes noisy or dies.....for the most part you can expect a few thousand hours from the stock tubes, give or take. One thing to note is most if not all the manufactures are using re-issue (current production) tubes and there no where as good as early production tubes, I find most current production tubes are average in sound quality and do not last like early production tubes. Figuring which tube is bad can be done by swapping tubes from one channel to the other and follow the problem or have them tested. With the Calypso each tube section uses matched pairs so if one goes bad in a section its recommended to replace both in that particular section. Cost for re-issue tubes for the calypso is about $150. The Atlas uses a pair of 6SN7 tubes and are matched as well, cost under $100 for the pair. Replacing the stock tubes and going with early production tubes is well worth the effort and cost IMO.
 
A/V Solutions said:
The Atlas uses a pair of 6SN7 tubes and are matched as well, cost under $100 for the pair. Replacing the stock tubes and going with early production tubes is well worth the effort and cost IMO.
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Just out of curiosity, what 6SN7 early production tubes do you recommend and where do you buy them ?
 
I do like the sonic signature of the 6sn7 family of tubes. If you truly want an eye opening experience, obtain an adapter and substitute a 6F8G. It is basically the grandfather of the 6sn7 family. It is somewhat larger and has a "coke bottle" shape. The adapter has an external grid cap connection. Once you try this direct substitution you will never look back. The only drawback is that they are considerably taller than a standard 6sn7.
 
Devg said:
Just out of curiosity, what 6SN7 early production tubes do you recommend and where do you buy them ?
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If you strictly go by sound not price then mid 1950's Sylvania GTB is a favorite, also RCA or Sylvania VT 231 JAN Blackglass, many of the RCA red base are nice too and reasonably priced......many chase the 1940's 6SN7 Tung-Sol blackglass although a nice tube there over priced IMO and rejects are fairly high, this goes for many from the 40's. I do like the later mid 50' to early 60's tung-Sol though......Overall I prefer the GTB or third version mid 50's to early 60's of 6SN7.
 
jadedavid said:
I do like the sonic signature of the 6sn7 family of tubes. If you truly want an eye opening experience, obtain an adapter and substitute a 6F8G. It is basically the grandfather of the 6sn7 family. It is somewhat larger and has a "coke bottle" shape. The adapter has an external grid cap connection. Once you try this direct substitution you will never look back. The only drawback is that they are considerably taller than a standard 6sn7.
Click to expand...

6F8G looks interesting. Will looks further into it. I often hear, tube adapters degrades SQ if its not made of high quality.
 
A/V Solutions said:
If you strictly go by sound not price then mid 1950's Sylvania GTB is a favorite, also RCA or Sylvania VT 231 JAN Blackglass, many of the RCA red base are nice too and reasonably priced......many chase the 1940's 6SN7 Tung-Sol blackglass although a nice tube there over priced IMO and rejects are fairly high, this goes for many from the 40's. I do like the later mid 50' to early 60's tung-Sol though......Overall I prefer the GTB or third version mid 50's to early 60's of 6SN7.
Click to expand...

Thanks. The need is for my Cary SLP-05 preamp and they need 3 pairs when going balanced route which I am using. I have the Syl GTB from the 60's I guess but getting a good matched pair seems bit difficult. I did try the RCA GTB but found it to be a bit warmer in my system. Earlier I tried a quad of Sophia 6SN7 but after couple of months use, one started having microphonics and another broke the guide pin off when trying to wiggle the tube out of the pre. Right now I am using Sylvania GTA - though it sounds good, I think the pairs are not matched properly. What is a reliable source to get the NOS tubes ?
 
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