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 oldhvymec

Fall, Winter, Spring, CHANGE! That's me. I can't take the heat, and I can't take the noise from the fans or AC in the Summer.. I change amp types, plane and simple. Class D are just fine with a little tweak here and there for the 3-4 months of heat.. 

I look over the valve amps, make any changes I want to do.. Then they go back in service around Halloween. If we have a party here, after the party.. :-)

Sometimes I sneak out my MC240 or 225 in the summer, play the Beach Boys, on the deck. Pair of old Heresy's or something. It just works.  

Regards