Burn-in and Biasing


I just got a new VTL integrated (IT85) tube amp yesterday. Two questions:

BURNIN:
--Is it OK to leave it on, on a low level, overnight and during the day, running constantly? (Hope so! that's what I'm currently doing, but I can turn it off when I get home if I have to)

BIASING:
--The manual says that only a recommended VTL tech should bias the machine. It seems kind of complicated. The person who does the biasing needs to use some kind of digital multimeter equipped with autoranging feature. I guess I wouldn't mind trying it myself, but I have never done this.

The manual recommends that the amp is biased when it first is setup. What are people's opinion on this? Is biasing something I could do myself, with that meter?

TIA....
dennis_the_menace

Showing 1 response by gs5556

Leaving the tubes burning all the time will not damage anything except for shortening the life of the tubes. Tube life is (normally) anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 hours so figure on replacing the tubes at least once a year or as much as 4 times a year for some. Tube amps sound their best, IMO, after they're on for 48 hours.

As for biasing yourself, the only thing I can add is to be mindful of your warranty: it might not cover audiophile-induced shorts.