2. misc-audio
  3. 1019506995

New Tube Break-In

I just purchased two new RadioTechnique 12AU7's for my CJ PV10A (Any opinions on this match?) and I'm not sure if there are any break-in recomendations. Do you know of any or have any rituals of your own? Should I be able to play them loud and fast right away?

Thanks,

Brad Day
Atlanta, GA
bday0000
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Of course most gear does not have filaments that are constant-on (same as "standby"). Many new tubes will "flash" when first powered up, and still go on to have a long and useful life.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Almost all tubes break-in without an input signal just only idling for a few hours. It might be some changes audiable within first 60sec of listening after a few hours idling.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Just a note to clarify that running a tube without a signal present is not the same thing as a standby mode. The full bias amount is still applied to the tube, not just the heater warm up.
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
I have 2 Radiotechnique 12AU7's in my Rogue 99 phonostage.
I found them bright with annoying sibilents (sic?) for many hours.Maybe even up to 100 hours.They have since mellowed very well.I find them to be very revealing (in my system at least)
More to discover