Tube Preamps Should Have This Feature


So it's late or you just want some casual listening for a short time. "Should I fire up my tube pre for 30 minutes?". My answer is "No". Why not let me flip a switch (or push in the volume control) to put my pre into "bypass" mode? Bypass would, effectively, convert your pre into a passive device, keeping the tubes dark.

This sounds useful to me.

128x128dweller

Your speaker coils need the 20-30 minute warm up more than the tube amp or pre amp......According to Steve Deckert ( who knows something about sound)

My PrimaLuna amp won't allow me to switch between triode and ultra-linear until the tubes are sufficiently warmed, and my Vincent hybrid preamp has a flashing red LED in the volume knob that goes out when it's ready to play. If those time spans are good enough for the much more knowledgeable people who designed the equipment, I trust their judgement. 

Two issues come into play: 1. My preamp uses four 6H30 tubes (and two tubes which I assume are rectifiers). It’s very hard to acquire GOOD 6h30 tubes these days so, until Western Electric can clone 6H30-DR (Russian mil-spec and the best I’ve heard), I’ve got to conserve. 2. I worry about the thermal effects doing damage over time. I’m also retired and trying to live off only SS. I’m also Scottish who are known to be somewhat "thrifty" so that comes into play. It would just be nice to have the option to NOT burn tubes if I’m going to bed in 20 minutes but want to hear some tunes.

Your system is going to sound darn good 2 minutes after you turn it on. Try it. Play something favorite, involving I bet. Wait 30 minutes, play again. How much ’More’ involving?

This is my experience. This problem is a "non-problem." For me.

Now, my Pass XA 25 sounds better at least an hour and maybe 3 after warm up. Much better.