[Amps] Stock up on tubes?

[w8hw at comcast.net]

Every one is talking about Obsolescence of tubes. The problem is the other 
way around.

The truth of the mater Solid State finals often stop being produced in 
around 18 months. After that you can get only phony part from China that 
either does not last, or gives only 60% power or has IMD issues or all 
three.  This is true of 100 watt class through 1500 watt class solid state 
finals. I have repaired many of amplifiers and radios only to find that the 
solid state final replacement part is no longer in production even though 
the unit is still being sold as new from common radio suppliers. If you are 
able to find a quality replacement, it is not the same size or other issues 
that require major modification of the boards and circuit modifications. 
That is a serious issue to consider when selecting an amplifier.

Tubes on the other hand (such as 3-500, 3cx1500xx and others) have been in 
production 30-40 years with no sign of an end of production in site.  If you 
want to know that you amp can be repaired in the future, then tubes are 
still the way to go. I love solid state, but I am weary of solid state 
amplifiers. They can be a delight today, but a throw-a-way tomorrow. A 
"Dixie cup" amplifier would not be my first choice. Just a thought.

On a related note... USA manufactures are required to offer replacement 
parts for many years (7 years I think), while other countries (in MOST 
cases) do not have that requirement. This is another major consideration in 
amplifier choices. Consider asking the salesperson of the over seas amp... 
Does that country have a parts mandate and what is it? If the salesperson 
says "NO" or "Hims and Haws" , then you may wish to pass.

73, Bruce, W8HW