Do different preamp tube positions cause more/less wear on tubes.

[RockStarNick]

Doing a bunch of research on tubes lately. I've read on the interwebs that "...the Phase Inverter is the hardest working preamp tube in your amp..."

I've also read things like "... used NOS tube, tests like new..."

I was always under the impression that a preamp tube was like a light bulb - it worked until it didn't. (unlike a power tube, which can wear out, get dull, etc).

Can a preamp tube in a P.I. slot wear out? What about a preamp tube in a cathode follower slot? I know that CF's require a heartier tube that can withstand higher voltages. Does that mean that the tube can/will wear out?

Should I be saving my good NOS tubes for V1 and V2 gain stage slots, and not using them for PI and CF slots?

[Timbre Wolf]

Originally Posted by RockStarNick

I was always under the impression that a preamp tube was like a light bulb

Yes - like a light bulb. Preamp tubes weaken as they wear out - just like light bulbs losing intensity from long-term use. Preamp tubes don't fail like light bulbs typically do (sudden filament failure), but they do wear in similar fashion.

- Thom

p.s. the PI is not part of the preamp circuit

[diagrammatiks]

ah yes same website that demands you change your pi when you change your power tubes...and make sure they are balanced!

good thing that company does it for you...

it depends on the amp. In a modern amp with a high gain front end...the other preamp tubes will be working harder.

your pi is actually the last tube to be overdriven and pushed hard.

[rockinstephen]

I don't have any specific answers, but it might be a good idea to rotate tubes as you would tires on your car...