Tube Life- Power Cycling

Tubes Asylum

Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

Posted by jaydacus on October 2, 2010 at 17:24:32

There does not seem to be a clear consensus on the internet, but I thought it might be fun to get opinions on tube life and power cycling.

I like to use my KT-88 based tube amp at different times from morning until night, but I don't necessarily listen from morning to night. I have power cycled my amp as many as 3 times in a day and I can't help but wonder if I am doing more harm than good by not just leaving it on.

Another point to consider is the energy usage .vs tube replacement cost. Obviously to more time the amp spends off the better from an energy usage standpoint, but does the saved energy offset the cost of new tubes which may be needed sooner from increased power cycling?

So I guess my main question is: At what point would power cycling be more tube life friendly than just leaving them on? More than 2 hours, 3 hours etc.

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Topic - Tube Life- Power Cycling - jaydacus 17:24:32 10/2/10 (22)

Both my tube power amp and pre amp..... - kootenay 13:53:07 10/4/10 (0)

RE: Tube Life- Power Cycling - Tom Bavis 13:10:31 10/4/10 (0)

RE: Tube Life- Power Cycling - R. Mercure 07:46:42 10/4/10 (3)

RE: Tube Life- Power Cycling - Escobar 12:54:14 10/4/10 (2)

RE: Tube Life- Power Cycling - R. Mercure 11:54:53 10/7/10 (1)

RE: Tube Life- Power Cycling - Escobar 05:46:35 10/8/10 (0)

I got flamed when I posted my answer... - Allen Wright 10:02:31 10/3/10 (13)

Allen, - Neff 21:20:40 10/3/10 (12)

RE: Allen, - jaydacus 00:18:35 10/4/10 (11)

Forgetabout tube ratings. - Allen Wright 03:33:48 10/8/10 (3)

RE: Forgetabout tube ratings. - R. Mercure 08:36:06 10/8/10 (2)

Some good points... - Allen Wright 10:36:40 10/8/10 (1)

RE: Some good points... - unclestu 15:31:51 10/22/10 (0)

RE: Allen, - Tre' 16:47:16 10/4/10 (0)

RE: Allen, - Jack G 04:52:47 10/4/10 (5)

RE: Left on - Neff 14:08:19 10/4/10 (0)

RE: Allen, - Ray Moth 06:48:55 10/4/10 (3)

RE: Allen, - Palustris 10:23:22 10/23/10 (0)

RE: Allen, - Jack G 08:28:09 10/4/10 (1)

RE: Allen, - bn 10:59:54 10/4/10 (0)

RE: Tube Life- Power Cycling - Neff 21:17:02 10/2/10 (1)

RE: Tube Life- Power Cycling - coolhand 20:22:26 10/3/10 (0)

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