Break in period for tube amp. How long?

Can you please share your experience on break in time and initial sound of new tube amps. Mine are sounding awful out of the box (NAGRA VPA).

jjwa10-09-2005 2:55pm

fatparrot Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,314 posts 10-09-2005 at 07:58pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Please define "awful". And what was your previous amp? Are you still using the same speakers...what are they?
fatparrot Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,314 posts 10-10-2005 at 08:16am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete C123666, yup, "congested and harsh" seems to indicate an entire amp [not just tubes, alone] that has not yet broken in. By 24 hours, you should notice an improvement...72 hours should get you 90% there, for the tubes! Some equipment, especially speakers, takes quite a while to fully break-in. Use only one CD for break-in, preferably one that you know, and is of audiophile quality. That way, you can monitor fidelity changes, without confusing your ears. DO NOT USE A CRAPPY CD...THE SOUND MIGHT APPEAR TO GET WORSE!