Tube DAC Conundrum


I have the Blacknote DAC30 which has 4 tubes in it. I read that digital stuff should be left on for everyday listening, but won't that use up the tube life a lot quicker? I am willing to change the tubes every year if leaving them on all the time will get me that far, but I don't know.
koestner

Showing 4 responses by mapman

I have a tube dac and pre-amp. Can't practically leave tube gear on. Too risky! So I don't. SS amps, DACs, etc. I often do.
The audiophile in me says: "leave 'em on".

The rest of me which is where most of my rationale behavior emanates from, says: "turn 'em off when you're not using them, dummy"!

My rational side can be harsh. It also usually ends up winning these battles ( I hope).
There is no right or wrong. There are ups and downs no matter what you chose, so just listen and enjoy and do whatever works for you. Be prepared to replace tubes more frequently if you leave it on. An nobody expects an accident. That is why they are called accidents. Those are the things that can really cost you when they happen. So be forewarned.
"As I asked yesterday, could someone please explain the danger or risk of leaving small signal tubes on 24/7?"

I don't know. That's why its a risky proposition to me.

For example, I've seen our cleaning lady dislodge teh tube in my tube dac when cleaning. Not so much as to cause a problem, but perhaps just a matter of degree. What if a child sees the bright glowy tube and pulls it out when on?

Dunno. But those are the kinds of unexpected things worth considering. If teh sound is that much better with the tube left on, maybe teh benefits outweigh the risks. Or not? Who's to say.

if someone explains the risks, hope that they are both right about what they say and also that they are not overlooking something.