Please advise - power for TUBE amp?


I know that similar questions been asked before, but I can't find the same scenario:
I've recently switched from ss amp to tube 300B SET amp.
I kept all my SS gear ON - 24/7.
What is the best way to do it for the tube amp?
If I listen for an hour, than I have to stop for a couple of hours - is it better for the amp and for the tubes if I leave it ON without any music playing (I know that for class A - this is when it's going to get hottest) or should I turn it OFF? What will stress tubes more - 2 hours of idle power or an extra switching?
I don't care about few extra $$ for the utility bill, but I do care for the longer life of the 300B tubes ($200 for a matched pair of JJ) and a better performance.
As always, all responses are greatly appreciated.
zoya

Showing 1 response by marakanetz

Normally, the worm-up of tube amp to the tube's specified operation parameters is much faster than for transistors. Tubes to some degree don't need to reach certain temperature of operation since they're not depended as much on the temperature as transistors but unlike transistors, they need to be mandatory wormed up before passing an input signal to avoid its short life.
If you plan to stay home and listen to the music, than keep it on. Turn off when you go to sleep or out of home. It'll save tube life and electric bills. If you give 20...30 min of worm-up before passing an input signal, it can be considered as normal for tubes. Non sufficient worm-up time may result on large difference in tube's operation characteristics that maybe distructive and shortening the tube life.