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Tube Integrated in Home Theater?

I was wondering if anyone had any experience using a tube integrated amplifier in a combo 2ch/HT setup? I've been using a SS integrated (Plinius 8200) for a long time and while I love the sound I'm really craving tubes (probably go with VAC Avatar). My concern is whether the tubes will be able to handle constant switching on/off and looooong periods of use (8+ hours at a time)? I use this setup for everything including 2ch music, movies, parties, gaming, etc. I'm also concerned that tubes won't give me the "punch" required for movies. I listen to mostly classical, jazz and blues (SACD & RBCD) but also plenty of rock. Thanks!

My system: Von Schweikert VR4JR/LCR15/TS150/VRS1, Plinius 8200, Marantz SR8500, Sony S9000ES(2CH)/Marantz DV9500(MCH)
thetrembler
10 responses Add your response
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
Thanks for your reply Elevick. That is good to know.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Don't turn tubes on/off 10 times a day. The heating up and cooling off will shorten the tube life more than just leaving them on. If you know that you will be listening again in the next 4 hours or so, just leave them on. Good ventillation will help.
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
If you get amplification w/ EL34 tubes you will get that tube magic and they a inexpensive to replace.
slvrtravel
43 posts
 
Totally get where you're at as i had the same dilemma. In the end I came to the conclusion that I really wasn't willing to constantly change tubes or cables etc. and the most important need for the tube sound was for my jazz vinyl listening. I went with a solid state system for ht and a tube phonostage so the tubes are only on when listening to vinyl( if you listen primarily to cd this won't get you there).
thetrembler OP
1 posts
 
Thanks for all of the responses. I suppose I'm still concerned that I'll be turning the amp on/off too often. Some days it will never be turned on but others it might be turned on/off 10 times. I currently leave my equipment on all of the time but I'm assuming you don't do this with tubes. Maybe a hybrid integrated would be better? Or I might just go for it and replace tubes as needed.

Shiva, 2 sets of speaker cable wouldn't work for me as I've biwired with spades...it would take too much effort to switch out cable each time.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Output tubes should last 1000-2000 hours as long as you don't turn them on/off too often.
Gain/driver tubes last 5000-10,000 hours. You do the math with your listening habits.
larryken
537 posts
 
I have a 2 channel HT with a tube integrated a Consonance Ref 150...tube output stage....tube is over two years old now and costs $14 to replace...the sound is not harsh but smooth and refined......speakers are VonSchweikert VR1's with the VS1 sub....Oppo DVD player. I would not get an integrated with a forest of tubes but something pretty simple with easily and cheaply replaced tubes...there are many options...call Stephen Monte at Quest for Sound in Bristol PA he was a big VS dealer and is a tube guy...he'll tell you what will work
Larry
maineiac
649 posts
 
Take a look at my system as I have done almost exactly what you are attempting right on down to the VAC Avatar Super which I originally used with VSA-4JR. You should not encounter any problems with the set-up you are anticipating. I have/had plenty of punch with movies, 80W can do some heavy lifting and I think you will be pleased with the results. Please feel free to e-mail me with more specific questions.
vett93
205 posts
 
My 2-ch equipment are connected to HT also. When I am using the HT, I set the front speakers at "small". The subwoofers will do the "punch".

Don't turn on and off frequently your tube equipment though.
shiva
181 posts
 
I had two sets of speaker wire when I had a combo such as yours. One set out of my tube intergrated and the other out of my A/V receiver. I just switched them out at the speaker taps when I wanted to use my tube amp. So the systems never mix and you run the tube amp just when you want to.
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