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Leave tube amp on all day?

I've just purchased my first piece of tube gear, a Cary SLI-80 integrated. What's the best for tube life? Leave it on all day or turn it on only when it's used?

On days I'm home, I may listen an hour in the morning and a couple hours in the evening. If I leave it on all day, to get 2-3 hours of listening time, it'll be on for 12+ hours. This means the power tubes won't last more than a year? If I turn it on and off 2 to 3 times each day, will the tubes last longer?

If it's best to just leave it on all day, then is it advisable to leave it on over night as well for multiple days? Turn on Friday evening and turn off Sunday evening?
in_power2002

Showing 2 responses by czbbcl

czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
As Larryi suggests I would consult with cary and get their recommendation. However, I for one would not leave a tube amp on all day even if it wasn't unattended. If you are listening for short periods of time in the morning and then again in the evening I would turn it off between sessions. I would not even think of leaving it on overnight or over the weekend. The reasons being is tube life, as it will shorten if left on, but more importantly for safety reasons.Tubes can and do short out which could cause a fire especially if left unattended.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
mapleleafs3

Better to be safe than sorry. But then again that is just my opinion.

Chuck
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