2. amps-preamps
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When to power off a tube amp?

So I just got new tubes for my Lyr and really don't want to damage these tubes and want them to last for as long as possible. So I had a few questions and was hoping you guys could help me, thanks.

1) Should I turn off the amp if I am going to away for like an hour or so? Would that decrease the life of my tubes more than leaving it on that whole time I am not using them?

2) Should I let my tubes warm up before using them? If so, how long should I wait?

3) Is unplugging my headphones before turning off my amp necessary?

And just a random question out of curiosity, what if you use two different tubes in a tube amp? lol.

Thank you guys, any help would be much appreciated.
highrolller

Showing 1 response by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree with Newbee, you do not have what most of us consider a "tube amp". Your Lyr is a tube headphone amp, which uses small signal preamp tubes, not power tubes. My tube preamp is on standby when not in use, there is always power to the tubes, unless I shut it off for extended absences or storms.

I would say that since your "amp" only uses two 6BZ7's or 6DJ8's, it is safe to leave on for an hour or so unattended. Warm up is 5-10 minutes, and you can leave the headphones plugged in when turning the "amp" off.
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