General usage tips for a fresh Crack addict

Kitchener · 1654

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Offline Kitchener

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on: February 19, 2018, 03:48:21 AM
So I've just started hitting the Crack, hard.
I don't think I'll be able to shake this addiction any time soon.

And  I could use some general tips with regards to day-to-day use.
Disclaimer:
Some of these questions might be shockingly stupid, rather fitting considering their source, but please bear with me!


Leave on or turn off?
As I understand it is best to keep tube amps powered on throughout the day rather than turning them on when you feel like listening to a song.
Apparently the repeated heating and cooling wears the tubes down much, much faster than just keeping them on.
For me this means keeping it on while I'm at the office (where I shoot my Crack).
Yay or nay?


Tube rolling precautions.
Should I unplug the Crack while swapping tubes or is okay to just turn it off?


Unplug headset before on/off?
Should I just leave my headphones plugged in or should I unplug before turning off and only plug in after turning on?


Leaving source disconnected.
I'm using my phone (and occasionally my computer and Cowon D2 audio player) as a source, straight, no external DAC.
Can I just unplug the jack from the phone and leave it flailing about while it's still plugged into my active Crack, or are there better ways to go about this?


Source volume vs Amplifier volume.
Does it matter?
What is best, source at max and adjust with Crack or Crack at max and adjust with source?
Or something in between perhaps?
Right now I have my phone (iPhone 6S Plus) set to max and adjust the volume with the Crack.
I find I can still turn the knob on the Crack about 3/4 without it becomming too loud.
-I'm using a set of Beyer DT770 80 right now, waiting for a set of Sennheiser HD6XX.


Volume when not in use.
Should I just the volume on when I'm not listening or should I turn it off.
Should I turn the volume off before turning the Crack on?


What is the correct term?
Are we shooting, snorting, hitting, smoking, drinking or *insert your desired verb here* the Crack?
Are we Crack heads, Crack addicts, Crackers or?
« Last Edit: February 19, 2018, 03:51:01 AM by Kitchener »

Modded, Speedballed Crack + Sennheiser HD6XX
STAX SRM-353X + SR-L500
STAX SRM-313 + SR-L300
-Jørgen E. J.


Offline Paul Birkeland

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Reply #1 on: February 19, 2018, 06:15:08 AM
Leave on or turn off?
Since it's at your office, turn it on when you get there, then off when you leave.

Tube rolling precautions.
Should I unplug the Crack while swapping tubes or is okay to just turn it off?
Just turn it off.


Unplug headset before on/off?
Either or.

Leaving source disconnected.
Either or.


Source volume vs Amplifier volume.
Does it matter?
What is best, source at max and adjust with Crack or Crack at max and adjust with source?
Or something in between perhaps?
Source volume up as high as possible while still leaving reasonable adjustment range on the Crack itself.


Volume when not in use.
I would say as long as the pot isn't cranked all the way up when you turn it on, then you won't risk turning your headphones into small speakers.



Paul "PB" Birkeland

Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man


Offline Kitchener

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Reply #2 on: February 19, 2018, 11:14:40 PM
This was great, thanks Paul.

Modded, Speedballed Crack + Sennheiser HD6XX
STAX SRM-353X + SR-L500
STAX SRM-313 + SR-L300
-Jørgen E. J.