First timer with tubes, need help (LD II+)

Hi there,

 

For tube amps, they generate a lot of heat.

 

Be sure to leave plenty of space all around (especially the top of) the tube amp for the heat to dissipate.

 

 

I wouldn't say excessive heat but it does get really warm depending on your air circulation. Heat is somewhat good for tubes since they need to be warmed up in order to run at full potential. But heat is also the factor that decreases their life . I would recommend max 8 hours if you even need the tube amp to be turned on for that long. Just remember to have enough space around the unit, don't clutter around the tube amp. If needed, you can even add little rubber stoppers at the bottom to elevate its height to cool it better. And try not to stack tube amps with other dacs or audio gear.

 

 

I've used my Little-Dot II+ daily since 2006 with no issues.  The only quirk this model has is that the power tubes will often arc on power-up.  If you have your headphones plugged in during this time there will be a loud audible "pop" from the headphones.  I've just got into the habit of turning the amp on before I plug in my headphones. 

 

Stock power tubes were 4P1S tubes, and I'm assuming that is what yours came with? You might try getting a pair of 4P1L tubes on ebay, which are compatible.

haha I did that as well.. using a fan blowing straight onto the amp. I was burning it in for about 8 hours straight so i was afraid it might overheat or something. But what I've noticed is that over a certain period of time (300-500hours) the amp has only been warm and not as "hot" to touch compared to in the beginning. But this might be just my amp.
 

 

The main idea about letting heat dissipate is to prolong the life of the vacuum tubes.

Heat is the enemy of all electronic equipment and shortens its lifespan.

Don't worry about leaving the tube on for too long, coz they are essentially light bulbs! ;)

For e.g., most people leave some lights on (throughout the night) outside their house for security reasons. Nobody thinks twice about night lights.

You can do the same with your tube equipment. H/w NOS tubes are usually more expensive than ordinary light bulbs so if you are not using them for say the next couple of hours, it is wiser to turn off your tube equipment.

As long as there is sufficient ventilation, you are good to go.

 

BTW, welcome to the wonderful world of tubes.

The best way to experience tubes is to do some tube rolling on your own.

There is no need to pay hundreds for a rare vacuum tube, just go to www.vacuumtubes.net .

They have the best prices and a huge variety.

 

There can be said to be 2 extremes when it comes to tubes.

One end of the spectrum are "warm" sounding tubes.

Warm tubes are less focused and detailed as compared with the other extreme (details below).

Mullard tubes, in general, are warm sounding and more suitable for vocals especially female vocals.

 

At the other end of the spectrum are German tubes such as Siemens.

These are very focused and most akin to solid state equipment.

This is particularly suited for instrumental music.

 

All I can say is that there are no "best" sounding tubes in the world.

It is all a matter of individual preference.

 

So go ahead and buy a couple of tubes of various brands and try them out.

Like most people, you will eventually settle for a particular brand of tube which fits your personal tastes.
 

 

Yes, tubes generate a lot of heat. It is (finally) getting into the 50s and 40s at night here.

I've actually been heating my apartment with the 13 tubes shared between my preamp and power amp.

Birdie (the cat) lounges around on her back near the MV52, enjoying the heat. It's about the cutest thing ever.

When it was ridiculously hot here, she'd pass out on the lineoleum where the AC hit. Now that it's cold, Birdie loves the vacuum tubes!

So, yes, have plenty of clearance for heat dissipation. If you don't have a cat to enjoy the radiated heat, go get one at the shelter. There are lots of nice kitties who would enjoy basking in the heat of a tube amp.