6AS7G/6N13S sound quality & longevity ?'s

OTL Asylum

OTL, Output Transformerless Amplifier User Group.

Utilizing a pair of M-60 3.3's (with a Ralph modified MLS-1 pre) for the past few years. Remain enamored with them. Have spent a bit of time in forum archives trying to gain better understanding the ins/outs of the power tubes, but seems something of a mixed bag of info. Hoping for some input via simply some straight-up explanations/advice or some direction towards archived threads where these matters have been addressed - as I can't seem to find them!

From what I can find seems general assessment is that, unlike the driver tubes (6sn7), the power tubes (6AS7 or 6N13S winged C's) bare little, if any, impact on overall sound quality (SQ). Is this a valid assertion?

And if valid, would the age (hours) of the output tubes really matter? If they seem to be functioning properly, both visually and audibly, how would their age of use NOW compromise SQ? Is there some deterioration going on that would impact on SQ that was not a factor when they were not aged?

Not trying to start any wars or debates, just hoping to become more knowledgeable and to get the most out my M-60's as practically possible in terms of power tube performance and longevity. Thanks in advance, Todd.

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Topic - 6AS7G/6N13S sound quality & longevity ?'s - tsully1@att.net 08:37:12 01/14/24 (6)

RE: 6AS7G/6N13S sound quality & longevity ?'s - tsully1@att.net 18:30:52 01/16/24 (0)

RE: 6AS7G/6N13S sound quality & longevity ?'s - tsully1@att.net 09:48:28 01/16/24 (1)

loss of transconductance - Ralph 14:06:18 01/16/24 (0)

RE: 6AS7G/6N13S sound quality & longevity ?'s - cellailuca 02:23:43 01/16/24 (0)

The Chinese and Russian power tubes sound similar, - Ralph 07:53:11 01/15/24 (1)

RE: Been running M60s for 20 years - acres verde 11:16:38 01/15/24 (0)

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