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  3. 1207215516

Do new NOS tubes need break-in/running-in?

I have bought a few Mullard ECC88 NOS tubes and to my lousy ears, found no sonic differences between these and my current Amperex ECC88. Quads were used in my ARC LS-16 preamp.

If there is such a thing as break-in for tubes, will NOS tubes sound any different and/or better after break-in? If break-in is required for NOS tubes, what is the rough estimate for break-in period?

I have a strong feeling that I won't be able to get significant sound improvements/differences after prolonged listening hours. Maybe my preamp is not too susceptible to different tubes?

Any opinions or advice would be much appreciated.
ryder

Showing 1 response by majicjazz

majicjazz
66 posts
 
Tubes can take up to 100 hours to break in, there is no set time so just wait it out.The rectifier tubes in my Art Audio Diavolo took 200 hours. There where also many Mullard tubes labeled with the Amperex label, so they may be the same tubes. You definetely will hear a difference between a Mullard and a Amperex.If you do not,they might be the same tubes. To answer the question regarding the Audio Research LS-16, yes,the tubes make a large difference.I preferred the Mullards, but that is my taste.
Mike
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