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must you play music to break in tubes

I have some GE 12ax7 longplate tubes that make some loud crackling noises.  The Seller claimed that this is common with nos tubes and that it will go away after they are broken in, but it is too alarming to hear and sounds risky to the speakers.  Might leaving the amp powered up for a while, but with no signal passing, break them in adequately?  Kind of hate wasting the power tubes lifetimes, but I don't have any old tubes to use in that amp.

lloydc

Showing 1 response by rodman99999

rodman99999
6,206 posts
 

@steakster, @glennewdick & @larryi-

                                           +1

     Had the conversation with Brent Jessee, years back, about a 40's,Tung-Sol Round Plate.

      He had me GENTLY tap the the base, tube held vertically, on a table.   It worked!

                                Never had the issue again.

                 If it doesn't work, in your case: send them back.

        btw: He also includes a letter with tube purchases, that discusses tube break/burn in.      YES: it's real, but I wouldn't waste the tube hours, by not listening to music.      

                          The differences won't hurt your ears.

                                        Happy listening!

        

      

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