2. amps-preamps
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Sonic Frontiers preamp in standby mode

Hey guys, I have a question about Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp. Should it be left on in stand by mode at all times? If so, what are the benefits if any - cleaner sound maybe? Or is it just recommended to be left in stand by mode to preserve the tubes. I usually shut it off after listening because I don't like to leave the house with electronics left on but the manual states that it should be left on. My other equipment is Sonic Frontiers Power 1 amp, Musical Fidelity A5 CD player, Shunayata line conditioner, and Vandersteen Quattro speakers with high pass filter (amp & pre-amp are on balanced connection). All the tubes are new and fully broken in.

I would appreciate feedback on this question. It seems that sometimes if the system hasn't been on in a few days I don't get optimum sound until after a few hours of play. When fully warmed up this system sounds very nice.

Thank you,
music lover
jroyka65a6
sonicbeauty
324 posts
 
I once owned this preamp for 4 years. Bought it new. I remember phoning Len at Sonic Frontiers when they were still in business, one of the head tech guys.Nice fella. Asked him this very same question.

His answer was quite clear ''leave it in stanby,the tubes will still last years and are not expensive to replace''.

My unit was thus left on for 4 years, sounded excellent still after this period.
lissnr
365 posts
 
My Line 3 is always left in stand-by... it's been 5+ years. In fact, on the rare occassion I do turn it completely off (change a tube or mess with something) I'm always hesitant to hit that button... my mind thinks of power surges and all kinds of stuff... but it's always been fine.
jea48
4,469 posts
 
I have spent a little time the last couple of days reading the archives over on AA. As others have posted here, many do leave their preamps in standby. I have on occasion over the weekends, but do not through the week. Hopefully more members will post and give their experiences.

For those of you that have posted, are you running NOS tubes from the late 50s, early 60s? Are you using current stock tubes?

http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/search.mpl?forum=tubes&searchtext=+Sonic+Frontiers+L1+Standby+%2C+shorten+tube+life%3F+
Jim
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