Yes, but how much sound difference there is varies with each brand and type, and is largely effected by the rest of the system, room, music source, and listening habits.
Vacuum Tube Break-in
Is there such a thing as tube break-in? I been laying with many tubes in about 20 tube amps for 40 years and never heard a difference in a new tube vs same tube with 50 hours use. I always bought and used NOS tubes, not used. I believe if a difference is heard with break-in, it is the placebo effect.
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I think burn-in is greatly exaggerated, especially in passive, not electronic equipment. But tubes get hot and metals change when they glow. I do believe tube burnin is significant...it isn't always positive. I put in a set of Russian tubes last week and they sounded best 10 minutes after I installed them. Still good but I liked them best then. Jerry |
Agree with @carlsbad and I'll add that the circuit and the entire chain may determine if you hear these changes. I use all NOS or "tests as NOS" and do hear changes in tube sonics, I trust my ears. I did try new Linlai 6SN7's which have a 200 hr. burnin (according to manufacturer). I did hear many changes from bad to worse to better. After the 200 hr. mark, I didn't like their sonics even though they had improved.
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This is a verbatim quote, from a letter Brent Jessee sends, whenever one buys valves from him: "CARE AND FEEDING OF NEW TUBES: BREAK-IN Preamp tubes especially benefit from a good break-in. This period may vary widely, but NOS vintage tubes usually need at least 48 hours of use, sometimes up to 100 hours. New current production tubes need 24-48 hours typically. Good break-in can be accomplished by either leaving your tube unit turned on in a no-signal condition for 2 days, or you can just enjoy the tubes for several hours each evening and they will be broken in after several weeks. New tubes, especially NOS vintage tubes, may sound a bit edgy at first, but after the break-in period will mellow out and sound wonderful." |
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