2. amps-preamps
  3. 1418755702

Seems like the best "upgrade" for tube amps....

...is to leave the amps on for a few hours before playing. I've noticed recently that when I turn on my Joule amps and let them run for hours, it makes a huge difference in the dynamics and high end sweetness. It gets hot in our house, but it's worth it. Is there a technical reason for this?
dhcod
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
565 posts
 
Are you saying let em warm without playing any music helps your tubes sound better or???
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"12-16-14: Jriggy
Are you saying let em warm without playing any music helps your tubes sound better or???"

All components need to be warmed up for best SQ, not just tubes. Also, it doesn't matter if you play music, or not. Just as long as the components get warm.
bigkidz
3,408 posts
 
Yes, it is true. Electronics do need some time to stabilize. This is especially true for tube gear which uses filament to heat up the electronics so after some time, they sound better.

Happy Listening.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,573 posts
 
Agreed. Tubes take some time to reach their best sound. I always find that music sounds better after the amps have been on at least 90 minutes or so.

Not day and night, but just more involving and enveloping.
wolf_garcia
6,740 posts
 
You should turn your rig on and listen to it IMMEDIATELY before it gets too warmed up, and then turn it off after a few minutes and go away. It doesn't necessarily sound better, but this forces you to get out more.
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