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Tube DAC Conundrum

I have the Blacknote DAC30 which has 4 tubes in it. I read that digital stuff should be left on for everyday listening, but won't that use up the tube life a lot quicker? I am willing to change the tubes every year if leaving them on all the time will get me that far, but I don't know.
koestner
koestner OP
683 posts
 
Yes Onhwy61,

A test does seem the logical thing to do. I will do just that. Thanks all.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,634 posts
 
I have a tube dac and pre-amp. Can't practically leave tube gear on. Too risky! So I don't. SS amps, DACs, etc. I often do.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Audio Note recommends 24/7 operation for their tube linestages, phono preamps, and D/A converters.

Dealer disclaimer
lewhite
156 posts
 
You should never turn your tube gears on as it is too risky and a tube failure could take down other componants. Make sense? of course not. Tubes in dacs are most likely small signal tubes and should last far longer then a year, so leave it on and minimise the thermal cycle of the other componants. And may powdered sugar fall upon your ears tonight!
trebejo
102 posts
 
Never turn off your tubes, just like you never turn out the lights in your house when you leave.

Oh, wait, that advice was meant for another planet. On this one, if it's a bulb, turn it off when you don't use it.

Honestly, of all the stupid advice you get on audiogon, this thread seems to be the current winner...
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