Tubes at idle

Do preamp tubes (12AU7) get consumed at idle as fast as they do with music going through them?

koestner08-15-2014 7:45pm

koestner OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 681 posts 08-17-2014 at 03:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Is there anybody out there?
wolf_garcia Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,737 posts 08-17-2014 at 06:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I'm no expert but I bet they do since the glowing electrodes are still glowing and that doesn't change much when music is playing...isn't idle current still current? I'm amazed at how long the damn things last , and turn mine off when not around in case one wants to explode.
yogiboy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,780 posts 08-17-2014 at 07:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I wouldn't fret about preamp tube wear since they last for years. I have 70 year old vintage radios and the original tubes are still fine.