2. tech-talk
  3. 1223004382

Is it ok for tube amp directly to the outlet?

Hi,

Do you think it's better to plug my tube amp directly to outlets rather than going through power conditioner? Can a power surge damage my tubes or amps?

I plug my Cary 805AE in the power conditioner now, but I want to try them without power conditioner to see if I can get better sound in term of dynamic. Do most of you using power conditioner for your tube amps?

Thanks!
Tran
worldcup86
gregm
3,405 posts
 
I think it is better to plug directly in all occasions except one.
You will get some little (or more) grunge but you will also gain dynamics and what's usually termed "ease of drive". Try it.
larryken
537 posts
 
if you plug direct into wall I'd make sure you have a dedicated 20 amp line and I'd routinely only plug the amp in when using it.
Larry
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Tubes are not damaged by voltage spikes that would zap transistors.
More to discover