Tube Wear Symptoms

Jetmaker737
Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,103
edited October 2010 in Electronics
What are the symptoms of worn tubes? I have a pair of Sovtek 12AX7LPS's in my Jolida CDP. They're about a year old. I've been very happy with them. However, over the last several weeks the sound from my CDP has become less and less appealing to me. It seems more congested and forward-sounding with increasing harshness.

I've ordered up a pair of Shuguang Psvanes for replacement so the point may be moot soon, but I was wondering if the change in SQ is something typically heard with worn tubes.

Another factor to consider is my other source which is a highly modified Sansui TU-717 tuner. It sounds magnificent, with lots of air and great imaging, especially through the ModWright tube pre. Maybe the Jolida just doesn't measure up (?)
SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|REL T/9X SE Sub
Post edited by Jetmaker737 on
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Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,674
    edited October 2010
    There is no possible way that any tuner can sound better than a CDP. FM signals are no where near high quality.

    As you suspect, it's time for new tubes.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited October 2010
    Good luck with those Psvane tubes as I'm about to get myself a pair also. Please report back when you get the new tubes in, as Jesse said, that should address your problem.
    Jake
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  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,103
    edited October 2010
    zingo wrote: »
    Good luck with those Psvane tubes as I'm about to get myself a pair also. Please report back when you get the new tubes in, as Jesse said, that should address your problem.

    Will-do. Thanks guys.
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|REL T/9X SE Sub
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