Best temperature for optimum tube performance


Is there an optimum temperature range in which tubes perform best?
I've been running tube amps/preamps for over 40 years and have always placed a small, quiet fan in front of them to prevent excessive heat build-up (a modified, two-door antique silver cabinet is where they reside).
I'm aware that electrical resistance increases in proportion to increasing temperature, but am I somehow decreasing the optimum performance of my tube components with this strategy?
128x128rettrussell

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

The filament of the tube is intimately associated with the cathode of the tube which it heats. Room temperature isn’t going to affect them much at all so I wouldn’t worry about that. But a fan is a good idea because heat does wear tubes out, and it also shortens the life of electrolytic capacitors (which are used in the power supply).

Now there is an optimal filament voltage- because that is what controls the cathode temperature. But the lifespan of the tube should be considered also. If the filament voltage is slightly lower you’ll get longer life, just like a light bulb. But if its too low, you can damage the cathode. There are a lot of variables here and this is really the sort of thing that is up to the designer. But as far as a fan goes, its a good practice regardless of tube or solid state.