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Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

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Re: vt100mk11 meltdown "need advice"

Posted by Carlos on December 21, 2000 at 17:46:23:
Yes, reducing bias will increase tube life. As most things in life, tube wear is exponential. Sometimes 5 mA is the difference between chugging along and a cherry-red plate and 10 mph is the difference between a safe trip and a blown tire.
As for the sound difference, in my amps and IME, less bias will give more bass punch, better dynamics BUT midrange and depth will be slightly less defined.
It is really up to you.
On a good day, I can hear the difference between 50 mA and 65 mA, but I do not know which I prefer, there are trade-offs involved (bass versus "cleanliness").
I can not tell the difference bet. 60 and 65 mA, therefore my ARC amp stays at 60 mA.
Merry Xmas!