2. amps-preamps
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Tube pre-amps: turn off when not in use?

I just recently purchased a BAT vk-31se - my first true tube product (aside from MF tube buffer). I normally keep all components on, day and night. Was just wondering if any of the more experienced tube users turn off their components when not in use to increase tube life.

Thanks,
Adam
adamg

Showing 2 responses by larryi

larryi
4,218 posts
 
I turn all my tube gear off when not in use. Tube gear gets warmed up pretty quickly, as compared to solid state, so there is less of a reason to leave the stuff on all the time.

All of my tube gear uses tube rectification, so the turn on is relatively gentle, and the life of the tubes is not being shortened by the turnon/turnoff cycle as much as would be the case with solid state rectification. I have not looked into use of thermistors to make the ramp up even more gentle, but if I did, there would be no doubt that turning the stuff off would greatly extend the life of the tubes.
larryi
4,218 posts
 
Physically, what is happening when the tube is in the standby mode? Is the filament heated, but no voltage on the plate? Are other components kept "warm" as well?
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