Preamp Possibilities

[AudioGremlin]

Good post jfray. A tube tester takes away any nagging concern about the condition of the tubes. Once you're used to testing tubes its an easy job to periodically test them to reassure yourself that the tubes are all good. If a tube shows signs of low emission etc.then just replace it before it fails. A tube tester is a great insurance policy lol.

[AudioGremlin]

Another point, removing & replacing tubes occasionally for testing has the benefit of partially self cleaning the tube pins & socket.

[prepress]

Buying a MaxiPreamp tester signifies a commitment to the 2300 to me. I'd have no other reason to spend $1K for the unit. I haven't made that commitment yet, though I've had the unit three years. This is still an experiment.

But I was, I think, beginning to get comfortable with the 2300 and was curious to see if the fabled Gold Lions would be a major change. The two-week break due to the repair short-circuited that, so I have to start over in a way. Now some of my previous reservations about tubes have been revived, further muddying things. If I decide eventually that my solid-state leanings mean I move on, the tube tester could be packaged with the 2300 for sale or trade-in, along with whatever tubes I have on hand.

Meantime, it is probably still a good idea to change out the remaining stock tubes so everything's the same age. I have three pair of JJs here and so could spare two for the job, or buy some cheaper ones to use; some JJs are only $10. For whatever reason, I'm reluctant to use my current JJs ($25).

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by prepress

Meantime, it is probably still a good idea to change out the remaining stock tubes so everything's the same age. I have three pair of JJs here and so could spare two for the job, or buy some cheaper ones to use; some JJs are only $10. For whatever reason, I'm reluctant to use my current JJs ($25).

Charles.......Oh yeah, it's always a good idea not to listen to your better tubes.

[Formerly YB-2]

Just picked up a used tube-tester for $60 and it does everything I need. Plenty of them a available on that auction website for whatever you want to pay. Insure you purchase one with the manual for the test settings. And, as always, purchase from a 'known good' (feedback) seller.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Charles.......Oh yeah, it's always a good idea not to listen to your better tubes.

Absolutely! Remember, I'm using the 2300 as a line stage. I hardly play records anymore, so it makes little sense to me to put "good" tubes in the phono section. So, for the foreseeable future I'm content with my 22 year-old phono preamp in the setup.

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Just picked up a used tube-tester for $60 and it does everything I need. Plenty of them a available on that auction website for whatever you want to pay. Insure you purchase one with the manual for the test settings. And, as always, purchase from a 'known good' (feedback) seller.

That's a thought. If I decide to get a tester, maybe I'll check into that before laying out big bucks on a new one.

[prepress]

I just subscribed to another C52 thread . . .

[prepress]

Originally Posted by AudioGremlin

Another point, removing & replacing tubes occasionally for testing has the benefit of partially self cleaning the tube pins & socket.

Yes. Despite the hassle of changing tubes, it does provide this benefit.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by prepress

I just subscribed to another C52 thread . . .

Charles.......Step 1.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Charles.......Step 1.

Yes, well, it's becoming clear to me the C52 is where I'd prefer to go if I move on from the 2300, which I'm not ready to do. But I do plan to follow the C52's trajectory as time goes on, mainly to see how people like it, are there any issues, and so on; how intensely it'll be followed isn't clear, but an eye will be kept on it.