New to the world of valve amps

[guybrush threepwood]

I've took the plunge, and after selling my lightweight rig, I've bought a valve head (an Orange AD200B). It's just had new power valves and been rebiased, but I was wondering if they have a 'burn-in' period like speakers, ie. shall I go easy on the amp to begin with?

Also when should I think about replacing the preamp valves? The amp is about 2 years old...

[SS73]

Obviously don't go mad, but you should be fine, they will break in. You could have the bias checked over after a month or so, as this initial period is when they can move. As for the pre's they go on for ages, only replace if you want to put some higher quality versions or nos types.
Valves are very hardy things and sometimes get replaced when they're fine, my SVT still has all it's original valves from when it was new 40 years ago, although valves of this period were at the peak of their quality.

[geoffbyrne]

Have a look here:

[url="http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/index2.html"]http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/index2.html[/url]

Myles Rose probably knows as much about valves as anyone & he's very approachable - his column (Feel Free to Ask Myles) is here:

[url="http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/forums/19/1/Guitar_Player_Forum"]http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.p...ar_Player_Forum[/url]

You'll have to register to ask a question, but if you read through it all(!) you'll probably find everything's been asked & answered already.

G.

[guybrush threepwood]

Cheers for the help guys, I shall peruse those pages now!

I really can't believe that I haven't made the leap earlier, it sounds incredible! It also looks as good as it sounds...