Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Crack => Topic started by: Immanence on May 02, 2022, 07:30:28 AM

Title: Tube Longevity and Best Practices
Post by: Immanence on May 02, 2022, 07:30:28 AM

Hi folks,

So I'm listening on my Crack, love it. Such an upgrade for my HD650s, which were definitely being throttled.

But I often leave the amp on for long periods of time as I'm working/listening to music, etc.

How long should these tubes last, and are there any best practices, or is it fine to run the amp for 8 hours at a time. I turn it off when not in use, but I'm often using it for very long periods while working.

Title: Re: Tube Longevity and Best Practices
Post by: Paul Birkeland on May 02, 2022, 07:32:00 AM

If you never turn the amp off, I would expect 5-10 years of tube life with the 12AU7 lasting a bit longer than the 6080.

If you run the amp 8 hours per day, I would expect 10-20 years of tube life with the 12AU7 lasting a bit longer than the 6080.

Title: Re: Tube Longevity and Best Practices
Post by: Immanence on May 02, 2022, 08:06:44 AM

Ah, so... a non-issue.

Thanks, Paul. That gives me some peace of mind.  :)