Simple question, probably stupid

Why burn in tubes and waste hundreds of hours of tube life?  Regardless of whether you believe burn in improves sound, the amp should be enjoyable and usable right from the start.  If a tube amp doesn’t sound good within five minutes, even with brand new tubes, something is wrong.

+1 larryi

^^^^^^

  Agree 100%

     This is a verbatim quote, from a letter Brent Jessee sends, whenever one buys valves from him:

                   "CARE AND FEEDING OF NEW TUBES: BREAK-IN
     New tubes need a break-in period before they can fully exhibit their true sonic character when used in audio circuits.

     Preamp tubes especially benefit from a good break-in. This period may vary widely, but NOS vintage tubes usually need at least 48 hours of use, sometimes up to 100 hours.

     New current production tubes need 24-48 hours typically.

     Good break-in can be accomplished by either leaving your tube unit turned on in a no-signal condition for 2 days, or you can just enjoy the tubes for several hours each evening and they will be broken in after several weeks.

     New tubes, especially NOS vintage tubes, may sound a bit edgy at first, but after the break-in period will mellow out and sound wonderful."

Good question, not stupid at all

on, no signal needed, 60 hrs

brent jesse

https://www.audiotubes.com/

advises burning new tubes in for 60 hours, before listening, then judge how they sound.

........................................

my last order, I had working tubes (unmatched, but wanted a new matched pair of 6sn7’s that did not look absolutely identical to my adjacent 6sl7 (I had blown one I somehow put in the wrong socket position after testing them).

Received the new tubes, compared to existing some magic was gone, burnt in 60 hrs, still didn’t like them, returned.

bought a matched set that cost less, full credit, and refund for the price difference balance due. I paid shipping to return them of course.

Magic returned!

That’s the reason I recommend buying from Brent.