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Is it a OK to leave tube pre-amps powede up 24/7

I’m relatively new to tubes in my hifi setup. Recently went from SS pre to tube ARC pre-amp and a Croft phono stage.

I have always kept all of my SS gear powered up 24/7(and still do), but I shut down my pre-amp and phono stage now after I am done listening for the day. I power them up at least a half of an hour before I put anything into play.

I would prefer to leave my tube gear on all the time, but am concerned about premature tube wear.

What would the tube folk here think about 24/7?

128x128crazyeddy

Showing 3 responses by hifiman5

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,826 posts
 
I guess I'm the dissenter here.  My modified CJ PV-12L is on 24/7 and my two 12AU7s have been in circuit for 18 months now and remain quiet and dynamic.  YMMV.

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,826 posts
 
My friend, an audio manufacturer, keeps his tubed DAC and tubed pre-amp on 24/7 during non-summer months, unless he knows he will be away from his house for a stretch. He is a proponent of 24/7, and says the power surge upon turn-on is harder on the tubes than 24/7 usage.

The above pretty much states the two ways of looking at the issue.  I have read good arguments both ways.

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,826 posts
 
After looking over this entire thread, it appears that the approach to this conundrum varies based on the preamp you have.  Different circuit topologies must be kinder or less kind to the tubes when left on 24/7. Vive la difference!

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