Tube preamp, Leave On Always or ON/OFF?


Should I leave my TUBE preamp ON always or only turn it on when I am using it? Thanks
speedracerucr

Showing 2 responses by sidssp

I have a BAT VK-50SE and I like to turn it off when not in use.

The BAT has a soft start feature, which gradually increases the voltage to the tubes over a period of time (about a minute). It drastically reduces the stress on the tubes during power on. Turning this kind of equipment on and off should not shorten the tubes life.

The BAT runs very hot. The heat it generates may shorten the life span of other components inside. Leaving it on all the time is going to dry up the capacitors sooner.

Not to mention the extra electricity it consumes.

But if you have a preamp that has no soft start feature, drives tubes gently, does not run very hot, and uses long lasting tubes; than by all means, leave it on.
Metralla,
Good point, I could have done that. The problem is I have programmed a macro to turn everything on/off from a universal remote but the VK-50SE does not allow you to put it in stand-by from a remote. It can only be done by pushing the power button and I am too lazy or too forgetful to get up every time.