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Tube Life and the Mute Switch

I just got an ARC PH3-SE phono preamp yesterday and for best sound, the manual recommends leaving it on mute all the time when not playing.

The manual says the tubes are good for approximately 2,000 hrs.

How much doees leaving it on mute count against the 2,000 hours? I'm sure it's not the same as playing hours.

Your thoughts please.
mitch4t
warnerwh
537 posts
 
Actually my guess is that it would be the same as playing as the tubes must be heated to be ready. My ARC LS 16 I know the tubes are ready to go after the 45 sec warmup. Turn it off when not in use is the best idea. Otherwise 2,000 hours will be gone shortly.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
There is a difference between muting the outputs and standby. On mute, all tubes are heated and energized. Outputs are muted; tubes are live.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t OP
1,486 posts
 
Swampwalker, what will that difference mean to tube life span?
herman
1,974 posts
 
All the time on mute will count against the 2000 hours. It seems a strange recommendation given that their website recommends turning off tube gear between uses.

2000 hours is only 83 days.
aggielaw
264 posts
 
Understandable why mute counts against the 2000 hours. Not knowing exactly how my Cary 303 works, I have to ask: if the tubes are only in the output stage of the CDP, does the mute still wear the tubes?
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