Tube DAC Conundrum

i have owned several tube dacs, tube amps and rube preamps.

after a listening session, i turn off all tube components.

tube life may be a factor, but also the possibility that if a tube ceases to function, it may damage other parts of the component.

I agree with Mrtennis. I have owned lots and lots of tube gear and always turn them off after a listening session. My solid state gear is left on.

I follow the same practice as the above 2 posters
I am no expert but I think the performance issues are related to getting the tube gear(or any gear) to an optimal operating temperature. I find most tube gears get there relatively quickly.
Now for some reason (unknown to me) I find that unplugging digital gear will then require a longer time to get back to optimal sound once plugged back in so I do try and keep my digital plugged in.

Leave it on 24/7 and change the tubes every year. It's perfectly safe assuming proper ventilation and decent equipment design. The issue with digital equipment is that the clocks need to be at thermal equilibrium for optimal performance. Effectively, that means leaving them on 24/7.

If you're interested you could conduct a test. Leave the D/A powered for a week and listen, then turn it off for 48 hours. Power it up and figure out whether you can hear a difference.