Do tube amps burn in?

A passing comment about tube amplifier burn-in. I have noticed, that on multiple vacuum tube power amplifiers, the sound of the amp changes considerably during the first 50 hours (or less) of use.

Do tube amps need to break in?

10-14 days is the general rule, but new tube gear can significantly improve by the hour / day in my experience.

Do tube amps burn out?

The tubes need to be changed immediately so damage to the transformer is avoided. Tubes have no definite life span and can burn out at any time. (Thus Marshall's 90-day warranty on them!) The second reason and perhaps the more important, is to improve the performance (tone) of your amp.

Do tube amps really need to warm up?

It is important, too, that the warmup that you give your tube amp is very thorough. If they are not warmed up properly, the tone of your playing will not be as good as it ought to be. As a rule of thumb, your tube amp needs to be warmed up for 20 to 30 minutes at least before you can start playing your guitar.

Is it OK to leave a tube amp in the cold?

It turns out that tube amps can be stored at reasonably cold temperatures without any issues. While temperatures of -40 degree Fahrenheit and beyond can be damaging to some electrical components, the biggest problem that results from storing tube amps in the cold is temperature fluctuation.

What is burn in? How to burn-in vacuum tubes and why its done.

How long do tube amps last?

Power tubes like EL34's and KT88's are good for about 2500 hours or more. But may go longer in an amplifier with a conservative design. Small signal tubes with numbers like 12AX7, 12AU7, and 6922, and rectifier tubes like 5AR4 may go 10,000 hours.

How long does it take to burn-in a tube amp?

A passing comment about tube amplifier burn-in. I have noticed, that on multiple vacuum tube power amplifiers, the sound of the amp changes considerably during the first 50 hours (or less) of use.

How long does it take for new tubes to burn-in?

But the paperwork that came with the unit suggested that it takes tubes 8-24 hours to burn in and recommended a 24 hour burn-in period.

Is it OK to leave my amp on all the time?

Amplifiers shouldn't be left on, as internal parts — like the filament — can wear out after long-term and constant heat exposure. High-quality and reliable amps can remain on for hours, days, or weeks without suffering damage. However, it's best to turn your amps off when you're not using them.

Is it OK to touch vacuum tubes?

Think of a vacuum tube as a light bulb. It is a glass envelope that generates heat as it is working. You shouldn't be handling them all the time but occasionally touching them will not hurt. Let it cool off first though, they can get mighty toasty.

How do you warm up new tubes?

The best way to warm up your tube amp is to leave it on standby for 15 to 30 minutes before you use it. This is not required for safe use, but it will guarantee you get the best sound possible out of it from the moment you start playing. Tubes are ancient technology and you should be patient with them.

Why do tube amps sound better?

Just like our ears, musical instruments and just about everything else natural, tube amplifiers have the least distortion at the lowest levels. This is why a tube amplifier can sound great played softly, while with transistor amplifiers people are usually needing to turn it up to have it sound best.

How long does it take to break in a guitar amp speaker?

A good rule of thumb is that playing any sort of full-range recorded music through a speaker at a mid-volume level for around 100 hours is enough to break the speaker in.

Do new amp tubes smell?

Even under normal operation, power tubes get pretty hot. If they are covered in dust, you might detect that musty aroma which tells you that the amp is ready to be wiped down.

How long does it take to burn in an amplifier?

This system should be switched on and left on for atleast 50 hours and preferably 100 hours without any switching off in between. Once burnt-in, play it atleast once a week as there are caps that even after the specified burn-in, the caps lose the burn-in if the amp is not played for a certain time.

How long do valves last in valve amplifiers?

“In theory, a valve should have a working lifespan of anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 hours for common types, and up to 8,000 or so for the more rugged industrial/mil-spec variants.

How often do you change tubes in an amp?

You can expect a conventional amplifier tube to have a service life ranging up to 10,000 hours. Tubes with military specifications are built to last up to 100,000 hours.

How long do tubes last in a preamp?

Preamp Tubes are generally at their best 2 - 3 years. Power Tubes are generally at their best 1 - 1.5 years. Rectifier Tubes are generally at their best 3 - 5+ years.

How long do 12AU7 tubes last?

Tube Life. Small signal tubes like 12AX7 and 12AU7 typically last between 5,000 and 10,000 hours. You don't need a tube tester to determine if your tubes need replacing. Simply plug in a new pair and let them settle in for at least 100 hours.

Are tube amps hard to maintain?

> Yes, tubes are generally more fragile than solid-state amps. They require more attention, so you can't be clumsy around tubes. > Tubes have a life span of about 3,000 to 5,000 hours before needing replacement, depending on usage.

Do amplifiers deteriorate with age?

Everything degrades over time, regardless if it is solid state or tube based unit. The question is what degree. Some amplifiers from 1980s still show better measured results than you can find in new ones today. Generally you should only consider top of the line models from the past.

Can I keep my amp in the garage?

99% of my collection of amps are in the garage, band trailer and back of my '86 Chevy Suburban, all subject to summer heat and winter cold here in North Carolina. After over 14 years, no ill effects. Of course, the ones in the garage I keep covered with sheets and/or tarps to keep unwanted stuff off and away.