2. amps-preamps
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Do new tubes undergo break-in like other devices?

I just put a new pair of Mullard Ecc34 (should be 6sn7s) tubes in the r/l inputs on my BAT VK60. These are the 2 most importants positions for BAT amps.

Part of it sounds wonderful...back of the soundstage, instrument separation, dynamics, articulation in the bass. Oh, and much queiter.

However, I don't think they have as much gain, I have to turn up the volume some on the preamp, and the bass is much lower vs the other parts. Kind of like a new power cord...needs time to open up. I can deal with the gain, not sure about the bass. This may just be a system matching thing, works great for some, not for me.

Is it break-in related?
128x128jfrech
wehamilton
65 posts
 
Dozer, yes, wall outlets open up. I had an FIM 880 that started out OK for my system, but got progressively brighter over the course of 4 or 5 weeks. I finally had to take it out. I sold it to my buddy with a tube system and he loves it.

Also, power cords do break-in as well, but usually faster than other components.
dozer
15 posts
 
Astonishing that you could attribute the brightness in your system to a wall outlet that had gradually broken in. My hat's off to your aural acuity and deductive powers. Well done... For me probably wouldn't help because darn if I can't keep the rest of the environment exactly the same week-to-week... I'd never think to switch out my wall outlet for tone control.
plangco's avatar
plangco
158 posts
 
An ECC34 has different specs than a 6SN7. That may be causing the difference, although I have read that it will substitute.
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