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Output tubes burn-in

I just replaced the 6550 output tubes in my Audio Research Dual 75 power amplifier. The new matched pairs (and regulator tube) came from Audio Research.
The last time I did this, I burned the tubes for 20 hours before listening since I've read that it takes that long for the music to sound good. This time, I'd rather listen right away rather than waste 20 hours wating for the "magic" to happen (it really does), but I wondered if a straight 20 hour burn-in is the way to go. Or, if you kept listening until you hit 20 hours, would the result would be the same (music sounding better)? In other words, is there any advantage in strictly waiting for a continous 20 hour burn-in period? Any comments based on experience?
kisawyer
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
As I have always done, I listen and enjoy the burn in process. Part of the key to enjoying high end systems is to witness first hand the changes that occur as things settle in and form the new sonic envelope and space. The same goes for speakers, cartridges and cables. Hey, you have a great system, play it, enjoy it and listen.
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,682 posts
 
Just listen to the music and stop worrying about it.
whart's avatar
whart
3,016 posts
 
Pretty cool that you have and still use a Dual 75. I have a Dual 75a that i bought from a dealer in around 1974 and have maintained it over the years, had it recapped, etc. several years ago, and just ordered a new set of output tubes from ARC. I don't really use the amp anymore, but have kept it for sentimental value. Out of curiosity, what did you use to plug into those quarter inch jacks to bias the tubes? I have a meter, so that's no big deal, but I'm not sure how those jacks are wired.
And, fwiw, different tube equipment would seem to react differently to burn in, in terms of sound. I just retubed my SET Lamm amps, I really could detect no shortcoming in hearing the new tubes, in fact, the amp probably sounded better. In burning in my new phono stage recently, (an Allnic) it took forever, and the sound changed dramatically over time.
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