ARC SP-14 tube question


I am currently using an ARC SP-14 preamp, but both turntables are going to line level inputs, the internal phono pre is never used.  Can I safely remove the tube which creates a surprising amount of heat to hopefully prolong the life of nearby components inside the preamp or would no load in the circuit cause any problems?  Thanks in advance.

128x128jdougs

Without the tube, the voltages in the circuit will be higher in places and may exceed design limits, I would not do it myself. The device was carefully designed to have the tube and its heat. It was not designed for no tube. 

Go ahead and remove it. I don't see how it can have any affect upon the SS high level stage. The SP14 is a curious design using one dual triode for the phono stage and transistors for the rest.