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How long does it take your tube amp to warm up?

My tube amplifier has about 12 tubes and takes a couple hours for it to open up and sound really good and comfortable to listen to. Always wondered why it takes so long for a tube amplifier to warm up and what’s happening during this phase.

If I left it on for six or seven hours would it sound even better? I normally don’t leave it on for more than four or five hours.

How long does it take your amplifiers to warm up?

emergingsoul
jond's avatar
jond
5,824 posts
 

My amps are SETs and a very simple low parts circuit and sound good right out of the box. It's possible they start to sound better after 30 mins or so but wouldn't want to bet my life on it.

sierratrails
14 posts
 

My Audio Note Cobra takes 30 minutes...can't listen to it before then. After 30 minutes, it is an entirely different listening experience.

quincy
356 posts
 

15-20 minutes for it to really bloom!

tattooedtrackman's avatar
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tattooedtrackman
884 posts
 

I have the Audio Research Ref 750s with 32 KT150s. 36 tubes all together. And I let my amps warm up for 15 min.Same with my Audio Research Ref 6SE Pre. 

mesch
3,492 posts
 

It is not only the tubes but also the transformers that need the warm-up. My Aric Audio pre and amp come to life regarding soundstage and 'air' after about 45 minutes. 

I believe speakers also need a little warm-up time.

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