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Is it a OK to leave tube pre-amps powede up 24/7

I’m relatively new to tubes in my hifi setup. Recently went from SS pre to tube ARC pre-amp and a Croft phono stage.

I have always kept all of my SS gear powered up 24/7(and still do), but I shut down my pre-amp and phono stage now after I am done listening for the day. I power them up at least a half of an hour before I put anything into play.

I would prefer to leave my tube gear on all the time, but am concerned about premature tube wear.

What would the tube folk here think about 24/7?

128x128crazyeddy
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
I guess I'm the dissenter here.  My modified CJ PV-12L is on 24/7 and my two 12AU7s have been in circuit for 18 months now and remain quiet and dynamic.  YMMV.

fineito
34 posts
 

My friend, an audio manufacturer, keeps his tubed DAC and tubed pre-amp on 24/7 during non-summer months, unless he knows he will be away from his house for a stretch.  He is a proponent of 24/7, and says the power surge upon turn-on is harder on the tubes than 24/7 usage.

Assuming one listens to his or her stereo predominately on weekends, an alternative is to power up the non-power amp components on a Friday evening, and shut them down on Sunday night after all listening is completed.

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,825 posts
 
My friend, an audio manufacturer, keeps his tubed DAC and tubed pre-amp on 24/7 during non-summer months, unless he knows he will be away from his house for a stretch. He is a proponent of 24/7, and says the power surge upon turn-on is harder on the tubes than 24/7 usage.

The above pretty much states the two ways of looking at the issue.  I have read good arguments both ways.

crazyeddy's avatar
crazyeddy OP
381 posts
 

Yes, I have always believed in keeping all of my gear permanently turned on. I would like to with my tube gear as well. I listen every day.

I think I will try keeping my pre, and phono stage on 24/7 for a while and see what happens.

Thanks for all the responses

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,438 posts
 
My tube preamp designer said to keep it on all the time for best sound and tube life. He said turning it on and off is more stressful for the tubes in his design. 
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