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If tube amp is left on, but not playing........

If a tube amp is left on , but not playing, is the tube still wearing out? If you think of the tube as a valve, and no electrons are moving through it, it would seem that there is little to no wear on the tube. This is a significant question for me, I am considering a SET for a system that will be used by my family. My wife has never shut off a light in her lifetime, and will not turn off the amp when not in use. (Those of you who respond with suggestions on how to change my wife's behavior have never been married!!) thank you......Mark
mythtrip
gs5556
1,234 posts
 
A tube burns out quicker with no signal. Tubes work in the opposite of transistors - a transistor will pass maximum current at the highest signal voltage and the least current at no signal. A tube will pass maximum current at no signal voltage and the lowest current at the highest voltage signal. And, BTW, this is why tube amps should never ever be powered on unless the speakers are connected.
tdschofield's avatar
tdschofield
11 posts
 
Just tell your wife how much the 300b tubes cost, and she will never again leave it on (assuming she lets you keep it)!

Tom
tdschofield's avatar
tdschofield
11 posts
 
Just tell your wife how much the 300b tubes cost, and she will never again leave it on (assuming she lets you keep it)!

Tom
steuspeed's avatar
steuspeed
501 posts
 
LMAO @ Tom, a NOS 300b tube no doubt!

You might consider a hybrid amp like a Blue Circle or Llano.
alex
11 posts
 
Well IMO the tube still radiates electrons due to the boiling off process. Tubes send electrons across vacuum space and with music, much much more, without music, just less of them, but still a 'rush of white noise'- turn up the volume to hear it. Turn the unit off to save tubes is my suggestion. At the top is a tube that is still in the box..next is a tube on but not playing music...bottom is a tube that plays music... this is in life hours IMO.
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