Tubes at idle


Do preamp tubes (12AU7) get consumed at idle as fast as they do with music going through them?
koestner
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.
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.
I think they are used up faster when music is played through them.

There is an eternal debate about whether to turn them off or leave them on when not in use. I'd say turn them off if you're not going to be listening again in, say, 2 hours if you're using expensive NOS tubes.

I have no training in electronics. I learned what I know by reading forums, web pages, etc.