2. amps-preamps
  3. 187190-150037

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
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
3,452 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.

rodman99999
6,086 posts
 

     When a system is first energized; everything from the source to the speakers is, "warming up" and will perform best after a couple discs are enjoyed.

 

 

 

jlchen's avatar
jlchen
8 posts
 

Even solid state machines will sound better after they are fully warm up. I always keep my SS preamp and clock (for the source equipments) up all the time.

mesch
3,452 posts
 

+1 rodman. 

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