Simple question, probably stupid


Is it necessary to have sound (music or white noise) playing through the speakers when burning in new tubes? I have bought a matched quad of Shuguang KT88 Z Black Treasure tubes to compare with my current Gold Lion KT88 and Tung-Sol KT120 tubes in a Rogue Stereo 90 amp. Reviews of the Shuguang tubes indicate that they need around 200 hours of burn in to reach their true potential but I am not looking forward to having to listen to 200 hours of crap sound.

128x128mazian

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

Good question.

 

I have found the majority of tube burn in happens very quickly… about 10 hours. Then the amount of change is vastly smaller.

 

I would get the first ten hours on them. Then enjoy listening. However, obviously if they sound too edgy and not enjoyable… burn in until they do.

 

While you are at it while listening, see if you hear a lot of change. I’d love to hear your observations along the way.