Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the big deal with tube amps vs solid state amps?
The non-technical answer is tube amps just sound better and they’ve been heard on a lot of your favorite recordings. So the sound of a guitar running through a cranked tube amp is part of the signature sound of rock and metal.
The technical answer is that due to the nonlinear gain characteristics of vacuum tubes, Tube Amps are often described as having a "warm," "rich," and "organic" sound. They tend to produce even-order harmonic distortion, which is generally perceived as musically pleasing. Solid-State Amps on the other hand, generally have a "cleaner" and more "accurate" sound. They produce odd-order harmonic distortion, which can be perceived as harsher but also more precise.
Do tubes have to be replaced regularly?
No, but tubes can go bad from time to time. Mechanical shock is probably the most common cause of tube failure. A tube would need to be replaced in those cases. Some folks replace their tubes even if they have not failed. Some folks try to keep their amp’s original tubes forever because of their unique sound.
Do tubes get hot?
Yes. Don’t touch them when they are hot and keep plenty of ventilation around a running amp.
What is the difference between a pre-amp and a power-amp?
A pre-amp takes a low-voltage signal from a guitar and increases the voltage while adding tone, overdrive, distortion, etc. A power-amp takes the signal from the pre-amp and substantially increases the voltage and/or current in order to amplify the signal and make it louder.
Why are tube amps so heavy?
The transformers needed to increase the voltage required to operate the tubes are heavy. The weight of the headcase can be significant, too.
Where are tre_audio amplifiers built?
The major components of the amps are made in the USA. Some of the components come from overseas; the most notable of which are the vacuum tubes which are made in the Slovak Republic. All of the components get received and tested at our shop in Virginia. We do some additional component fabrication work at our shop, then assemble and test the amplifiers.
Testing? What kind of testing?
Well, we test the amplifiers at various times during fabrication and assembly. It’s more efficient to test along the way than to wait until the end to test. But once the amplifiers (or other gear) are built, we test them in our shop. We do several safety tests to make sure things are grounded correctly and meet safely requirements. We then play each amp to make sure it sounds perfect. Then we burn it in for a day while hooked up to attenuators and other equipment. Then we play through it again. It has to sound perfect to get boxed up and shipped. We also take a few fully-built amplifiers and run them continuously. All day. All night. All the time. Just because. We also do beta-testing of products on stages across the country. If you are in a performing band and have an interest in beta-testing tre_audio products, please email tre@treaudio.com.
Payment Methods
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay
REFUND / RETURNS
We offer refund and/or exchange within the first 30 days of your purchase, if 30 days have passed since your purchase, you will not be offered a refund and/or exchange of any kind.
Your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. The item must be in the original packaging. To complete your return, we will require a receipt or proof of purchase.
Only regular priced items may be refunded, sale items cannot be refunded. If the item in question was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you will receive a gift credit for the value of your return.
Exchanges
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at tre@treaudio.com to receive additional information on exchanging the item.
Gift cards, T-Shirts and apparel are not exchangeable.
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
Late or missing refunds
If you have not received a refund yet, first check your bank or PayPal account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
If you have done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at tre@treaudio.com
Shipping your return
Please send your returns back to : tre_audio, 2022 Craigs Store Rd, Afton, VA 22920, USA
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable! If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary. Please see, we cannot guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
