2. amps-preamps
  3. 1294383825

Why no heated gear?

Sitting here listening to The White Stripes with the tubes glowing, gear nice and warm, and sounding fantastic. All but two hours ago the system was cold and sounding rather unimpressive, as it does when cold. I got to thinking why don't manufacturers add heating elements to equipment to bring it too optimal temperature quicker. I remember reading about an esoteric speaker manufacturer that did this to his active speakers to eliminate that "cold" sound. That's all I have ever heard about it. Now I know I could turn the system on sooner when I want to listen but we all have those last minute listening sessions. In reality I should switch to SS and leave it on all the time, but my Mc275 is too good to get rid off. Please post your opinions.
jlind325is
magfan
1,583 posts
 
I saw an 'instant on' modification for a (tube) table radio.
I don't remember the exact mod except it was very simple. Ran the heaters at a very low level and lowered turnon / stable time quite a bit.

don't do it.
hifibri
39 posts
 
I had a friend who used a hair dryer to heat his cartridge for a few seconds before playing.
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
I guess it depends on the amp. My tubed amp warms up in about 1/2 hour. My tubed preamp has standby for about 1 minute before you can play it, but also sounds best after about 1/2 hour.
jlind325is OP
113 posts
 
4est-Standby modes are great, I was thinking of something that allows a person to keep the gear off for longer periods of time to either keep hours off their tubes or to save electricity if you have SS gear.

Cyclonicman-my pre also has a warm up cycle for 45 seconds before you can un-mute it. However, like yours it takes atleast a half hour to sound better.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I leave mine on all the time. It is SS or Hybrid.
More to discover