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I have always tried to keep the ion trap with the set it came with. My highest hour is a Motorola with a 12lp4 (can't remember the chassis but I think it is either made in 1949 or 1950. Original tube as far as I can see. Good and clear, no burn and many(!) run hours! My TS-4J takes a bit to get bright but looks good after about 10 minutes.
As for Russian tubes, my worst fire breather is a Audio Research D-150 (1976). I use Svetlana 6550B types in regulator and output. This critter will kill a set of GE welded plates in about 2000 hours. I've had the Svetlana going on 3000 hours (close to needing a change according to ARC) but no sparks/blown $11.00 dollar fuses in a long time. I have heard the "C" types are better but I'll wait till it no longer meets specs to change anything. I also have the Svet "B" types in my D-115. The D-115 laughs at Chinese tubes! Then eats them!
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