One year of operation of the 1955 Tube Amp with no breakdowns.

Model 1955 EL84 tube amplifier after more than a year of continuous operation
Model 1955 Gen1 tube audio amplifier in daily use after over a year of operation, with no breakdowns.

It’s now been more than a year and a half since I first put the original 1955-model tube audio amplifier into regular use in my living room, and I’m pleased to report that it has operated reliably every day without a single breakdown.

Over this period the amp has typically been in service for two to three hours each day, providing a warm, engaging sound while I listen to a wide range of music — especially jazz and classical repertoire, which seems particularly well matched to the sonic character of this classic design.

This extended listening experience has allowed me to appreciate the nuances of the Mullard 3-3 circuit — from the rich midrange of the EL84 output stage to the natural decay and texture it brings to complex acoustic passages.

What began as a personal build and technical experiment has become a trusted daily companion, proving not only that vintage vacuum tube designs can be practical and dependable, but also that they can deliver long-term enjoyment in a home listening environment.

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