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Tube Life: 6SL7; 6SN7, 12AX7, 12AT7, 6DJ8 et al

I've finally found a tube compliment that works well with my Tube Integrated and I'd like the tubes to last as long as possible. I've heard everything from turn your amp off when it's not in use even if it means turning it on and off a number of times a day - to - just leaving the amp on all the time.

Advice?

Thank you!
anacrusis
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Turn it off when not in use.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Don't turn it off when you take a 'phone call.
Kill it all when you have left for better thngs...
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Turn it off only when you are not going to listen for more than a few hours. Tubes need time to warm up to sound their best, normally 30 min or more. You don't want to waste too much tube life just for warm up.
hivision
9 posts
 
I have a similar concern. I use my Aesthetix pre-amp standby function when I am not listen to music. In fact, I hardly turn off the unit completely. I leave it "Standby" day and night; unless I am out of town for days. I have used the tubes (6922 and 12AX7W) in this manner for over 3 years; they sound fine (I think?).

Now, what's your recommendation for the proper use if the unit has the "standby" function? And what's the life expectancy on those tubes with proper use?
ontjesr
157 posts
 
If your gear is equipped with a standby switch, no power is being applied to the tubes. In most cases, it's purpose is to allow you to turn the unit on via the remote. Standby is much different than leaving the gear on "hot" with "tubes lit" as was the initial question.
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