Rookie Question

[chessman]

My BAT preamp has 8 x 6H30 tubes. If one of them fails, how many do I need to replace? One? A pair?

[PHC1]

chances are that you will have a different preamp by the time you need to swap out the 6H30's. They have a looong life span, like 10,000 hrs from what I've heard. If you do by some chance lose one, contact BAT so they can tell you which tubes in which sockets go "together" and get a matched replacement pair.

[chessman]

Thanks, Serge. Even at 30 hours a week, I guess I am looking at 5 to 6 years. Actually, I was trying to figure out if I should invest in some spares, perhaps 6H30 DR's. Any opinion on the DR's vs. NOS?

[PHC1]

The 6H30DRs are getting pricey. They are more three dimensional in presentation from what I've heard but I have no direct experience with them. It's been a while since I've owned BAT gear. Call BAT and I'm sure they'll offer you their expert opinion.

[cmalak]

Randy...there are a bunch of threads on the Gon the 6H30-DR tube. Some people say there is a difference others say not so much or at least not enough to justify the premium cost. BAT will say there is a big difference (but they do sell them and there is an economic interest there). Definitely call BAT because depending on which tube in the pre went bad, there may be a need to replace a pair or not as it depends on what function the tube is serving.

[chessman]

Cyril, thanks. Mercifully, this is all hypothetical - nothing has failed yet.

[cmalak]

Randy...Ooops. I didn't catch that part. Got it. It will be a while for sure before they start to fail. Enjoy