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Do new tubes undergo break-in like other devices?

I just put a new pair of Mullard Ecc34 (should be 6sn7s) tubes in the r/l inputs on my BAT VK60. These are the 2 most importants positions for BAT amps.

Part of it sounds wonderful...back of the soundstage, instrument separation, dynamics, articulation in the bass. Oh, and much queiter.

However, I don't think they have as much gain, I have to turn up the volume some on the preamp, and the bass is much lower vs the other parts. Kind of like a new power cord...needs time to open up. I can deal with the gain, not sure about the bass. This may just be a system matching thing, works great for some, not for me.

Is it break-in related?
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Showing 1 response by albertporter

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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Jfrech, did you change from well used Russian tubes?

If so, consider two points. The Russian tube had poor highs when new and undoubtedly got worse as it aged. Second, the bass on Sovteks (if that's what it was) are "bumpy" in the bass.

Comments already posted about tube break-in are accurate in my experience. If you are still dissatisfied after your gear has settled in, post back here.
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