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is it ok to leave a tube amp on without speakers connected

I'm blessed to have two amps but one set of speakers in my listing room - all tubes.  Instead of cutting off one to listen to the other, I would like to listen to the other without powering off the one i'm not listening to.  

Question:  Can tube amps be powered on without speakers connected for hours at a time?
mudbone
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,865 posts
 
It's your gear and your risk. Like Ralph says, it could be okay and probably won't damage it. For example, Dynaco's ST70 manual does not recommend leaving the speakers off. Probably best not to risk it. 
musicgene
13 posts
 
My Audio Research VS60 can be left on with no load.  Matter of fact, I was told to bias the amp in that way with no input signal.
inna
7,296 posts
 
So it's a good test. No input signal, no speaker load, if it gets damaged - it's a junk amp.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
Dynaco's ST70 manual does not recommend leaving the speakers off.

The trick is make sure there is no signal input.

For modern amps best to check with the manufacturer.
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,210 posts
 
Maybe this one worth reading
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