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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
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,800 posts
 
The tubed ARC pre should be fine left on while you are out of the house, but ARC power amps definitely and absolutely not. Their power tubes aren't fused, and when one pops the amps have been known to burst into flames. As I am most likely about to be ;-).
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
1. transistors in most class A/B and class D amps don't and there are many class A/B amps that don't run hot.
2. I've repaired tube equipment with burned circuit board around blown tube more than once and for me one is too many anyways.

Old saying says -- No problem till the SHTF. Right?

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,807 posts
 
and says the power surge upon turn-on is harder on the tubes than 24/7 usage.
This really has to do with the design! The phenomena known as 'cathode stripping' really affects power tubes a whole lot more than small signal tubes!

I find that I get much longer life out of the tubes if they are only on when I'm using them. After 20-30 minutes they sound great and after about 2 hours they've gotten as far as they are going to go. Running a tube preamp 24/7 is going to shorten the effective tube life unless you work at home and have the stereo playing all the time.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,800 posts
 
Or are retired!
phd
1,316 posts
 
It depends on preamp design as stated above but Audible Illusion tube preamps have their tubes lit even after the power button is off. According to Audible Illusions this lenghthens the life of the tubes.
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