2. misc-audio
  3. 1207215516

Do new NOS tubes need break-in/running-in?

I have bought a few Mullard ECC88 NOS tubes and to my lousy ears, found no sonic differences between these and my current Amperex ECC88. Quads were used in my ARC LS-16 preamp.

If there is such a thing as break-in for tubes, will NOS tubes sound any different and/or better after break-in? If break-in is required for NOS tubes, what is the rough estimate for break-in period?

I have a strong feeling that I won't be able to get significant sound improvements/differences after prolonged listening hours. Maybe my preamp is not too susceptible to different tubes?

Any opinions or advice would be much appreciated.
ryder
larryken
537 posts
 
yes, 5 to six hours...before doing a post like this in future suggest you check the archives...it's been beaten to death (as have many generic topics)
Larry
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,280 posts
 
I not sure Mullards are really any better than Amperex. It would depend on specific models. The tubes would need a moderate amount of run-in time say 10-30 hours. Yes, some designs are not sensitive to tube rolling. I'm not sure if your Audio Research is one of those designs.

BTW, you setup and house looks fantastic.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
No changes after 5-10 hours of use.
ryder OP
1,738 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. Usually I check the archives before posting but this time I'm little impatient I guess.

I've owned Sonic Frontiers Line 1 and find it to be not sensitive to tube rolling at all. I will try to run-in the tubes longer and hopefully the ARC will not exhibit this similiar trait. Well Onhwy61, your system looks great too.
majicjazz
66 posts
 
Tubes can take up to 100 hours to break in, there is no set time so just wait it out.The rectifier tubes in my Art Audio Diavolo took 200 hours. There where also many Mullard tubes labeled with the Amperex label, so they may be the same tubes. You definetely will hear a difference between a Mullard and a Amperex.If you do not,they might be the same tubes. To answer the question regarding the Audio Research LS-16, yes,the tubes make a large difference.I preferred the Mullards, but that is my taste.
Mike
More to discover