I have had the exact same thoughts as you, OP. I read through the posts and didn't feel anyone actually addressed your question. If I am hearing you correctly, this is the scenario.
You have had your stereo on for whatever amount of time listening and your family wants to watch a 1 hour show, so you have to decide.....do I leave everything on and go watch the show and then come back and hit play or do I power it all down and then power back up an hour later.
Which is harder on the tubes, an hour of idle time or the power cycle?
I understand the incentive for sound quality, but I too don't know which is harder on the tubes regarding their life.
It seems that many electronic components in our lives are more stable when left on constantly vs repeated power cycles.
Seems we are both over-thinking and should just leave it on for reasonable amounts of idle time.
You have had your stereo on for whatever amount of time listening and your family wants to watch a 1 hour show, so you have to decide.....do I leave everything on and go watch the show and then come back and hit play or do I power it all down and then power back up an hour later.
Which is harder on the tubes, an hour of idle time or the power cycle?
I understand the incentive for sound quality, but I too don't know which is harder on the tubes regarding their life.
It seems that many electronic components in our lives are more stable when left on constantly vs repeated power cycles.
Seems we are both over-thinking and should just leave it on for reasonable amounts of idle time.