mixing tubes and transistors


I'm considering getting a tube preamp in an otherwise all solid state system. The solid state gear is designed to be left on all the time. The tubes in the preamp wouldn't last very long if left powered up all the time. Here's my dilemma: the power amp owner's manual says to power down the components in sequence from the speakers "backward" to the source. The preamp is in the middle of this chain. If I turn off the preamp (to extend tube life) while leaving the amp and sources on (to keep the transistors thermo-electrically stable) am I creating any electrical hazards for my equipment? Please advise, and thanks.
prospersol7a6a

Showing 1 response by jwaugh

A number of preamp tubes do well if left on (last and can perform well depending on time constants in design & warm up time). Without knowing yours I can't comment further, but your dealer and manufacturer can give some advice.

Even with mute activated, I have found (through a well-meaning visitor who decided to "help" me) that some preamps do give a pretty significant pop when turned off. As others have commented, I would worry about damage to the speakers. Bob_bundus' suggestion seems excellent to me...

Good luck,
Jacob