2. amps-preamps
  3. 1119029041

Is a tube preamp a good idea?

I'm interested in getting a tube preamp to match with my PS Audio HCA2. The idea is to mainly use it for music, but I also use it for TV and movies. It's generally on all day for satellite music as well as pre-recorded music and later at night for TV. With the extensive time of being powered up each day, is a tube pre a good idea or am I going to go through tubes like water? Thanks Goners for your insight.
Tom
bookert2896c

Showing 2 responses by eldartford

eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Tubes are well suited to low level signal amplification, last a very long time, and they are not expensive. The output tubes of a power amp are responsible for the tubes reputation for short life and high cost.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
I don't know if any home audio equipment has these features but here are some simple things that are helpful with tube circuits.

1... Keep the tube filaments on at reduced voltage all the time.
2... Turn on the filaments before plate voltage is applied.
3... Bring the plate voltage up slowly.

These are pretty simple to implement, and would make a good marketing point.
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