2. amps-preamps
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Sonic Frontiers preamp in standby mode

Hey guys, I have a question about Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp. Should it be left on in stand by mode at all times? If so, what are the benefits if any - cleaner sound maybe? Or is it just recommended to be left in stand by mode to preserve the tubes. I usually shut it off after listening because I don't like to leave the house with electronics left on but the manual states that it should be left on. My other equipment is Sonic Frontiers Power 1 amp, Musical Fidelity A5 CD player, Shunayata line conditioner, and Vandersteen Quattro speakers with high pass filter (amp & pre-amp are on balanced connection). All the tubes are new and fully broken in.

I would appreciate feedback on this question. It seems that sometimes if the system hasn't been on in a few days I don't get optimum sound until after a few hours of play. When fully warmed up this system sounds very nice.

Thank you,
music lover
jroyka65a6

Showing 2 responses by jea48

jea48
4,709 posts
 
In standby the 6.3 filament voltage is still applied to the 6922 tubes. Only the plate voltage is removed. Bottom line the tubes are are not going to last very long burning 24/7, 365 days a year. If you are lucky and get 10k hours out of the tubes you will still be replacing them in a little over a year. If you are running NOS tubes from the 60s It's going to be mighty expensive. I turn my Line One off after use.
Jim
jea48
4,709 posts
 
I have spent a little time the last couple of days reading the archives over on AA. As others have posted here, many do leave their preamps in standby. I have on occasion over the weekends, but do not through the week. Hopefully more members will post and give their experiences.

For those of you that have posted, are you running NOS tubes from the late 50s, early 60s? Are you using current stock tubes?

http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/search.mpl?forum=tubes&searchtext=+Sonic+Frontiers+L1+Standby+%2C+shorten+tube+life%3F+
Jim
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