[Alberto]

I don't need to repeat how much in audio-love I am with my Shindo Cortese. I can't imagine what would take its place. But here's another bonus: I play it an average of 4 hours/day (more weekdays less week-ends) ... and I've been doing so for 3 years ... ON THE SAME SET OF TUBES!

4 hours/day * 365 * 3 ~= 4 * 1,000 ~= 4,000 hours ... and the F2s are going as strong as ever!

I am about 40% into the conservative life of the F2s (10,000 hours) but some people/reviews are saying that they can easily go to 50,000hrs.

In the past, with other power tubes, I was watching my usage and worrying about using them up to quickly ... saving them for "special occasions". But on many days, I turn on the Cortese after breakfast and turn it off before dinner. Heck, I even use it to listen to Pandora.

Bottom line, even if the F2 tubes may be a bit expensive ($4-500/pair?) and not too easily available, even at the lower end of the range (10,000hrs) their cost comes to $0.05/hr.

Sounds fantastic and low-maintenance. Can't ask for more!

Alberto