Does a tube need the break-in hours?


Most probably not, but not sure why :) 
Does anybody know a good substitution for 12AT7WA tubes? I have bought 8 of them about 10
years ago for Manley Stingray. Now, when I need a replacement, none of them are good
(ones are labeled by Manley others are Philipps). 
(An almost 20 years old Stingrey remains in a good shape.) 
128x128niodari

Showing 1 response by oddiofyl

I just retubed.... and actually changed variety.    That said I think sometimes your brain, ears, and expectations can sometimes play tricks on you.  I had an older quad of Gold Lion KT 66 , with brand new speakers so it was a poor frame of reference to begin with.

I installed a quad of Mullard EL 34 and after letting it settle and checking the bias again I wasnt overwhelmed,   So i let it play and came back a little later and it sounds fantastic....  I think after an hour or so a tube amp is "ready" so to speak