When to replace Preamp TUBES?

[eberrong]

I have a 5 year old Rectoverb (Series 2) Combo that has the original preamp tubes. I've changed the power amp tubes twice so far. Should I change the preamp tubes? The amp does not get much use at all. I would say it has maybe 300 hours total play time on it.

Or should I just wait to replace them until I get some of the failure signs (from Mesa website):

Preamp Tubes:
• Hissing, 'shooshing'.
• Sputtering, 'grumbling'.
• Microphonic squealing (feedback type sound).
• Loss in signal in one or more modes of the amp (channel, reverb, fx-loop).

 

[eberrong]

Is it easy to change the preamp tubes? Is it just like the power tubes where you just pull out the old ones and insert the new ones? There seems to be some metal covers over the preamp tubes.

 

[asattwanger]

Nothing realy special about preamp tubes.

I'd personaly buy them from Eurotubes.com
JJ ECC83S Standard @ $8.50

$50 w/shipping is better than $75.

If you want to spend $75. you could upgrade to of them for the Gold's...


I don't want to under mind Mesa, but their prices are steep and the Eurotube guys know there stuff.