Turn off or leave in stand-by ??

tomek · Post by **tomek** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:36 am

Hi Guys,
I'm sure it's been covered but I could not find the thread.

I'm in the habit of leaving all my electronics on, to extend thier life.
Is it a bad idea to leave my amp in stand-by 24/7?

Reason I ask,
is that my rectifier and output tubes went prematurely (a few months after buying the amp).

Is this due to my practice,
or was the amp abused at the shop before I bought it?

Thanks, Tomek.

Simon Wicks · Post by **Simon Wicks** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:39 am

leaving on standby is ok for the short term but not really the long term. You'll wear out the rectifer and the tubes to some extent as they still have filament voltage applied to them.

blackcloud45 · Post by **blackcloud45** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:40 am

Probably abused at the shop. Most kids don;t know how to warm 'em up prior to detuning. I wouldn't leave anything but an alarm clock on 24/7 for fear of burning down my house

.

notagain · Post by **notagain** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:45 am

I would leave it on standby for a few minutes max.
No reason 24/7, waste of electricity, extra wear and
tear on your amp, tubes, etc.

I can't even think 24/7...

feider · Post by **feider** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:48 am

Never 24-7.

tomek · Post by **tomek** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:50 am

Sounds like a combo of fools

The rectifier was replaced by the repair shop,
but I've still got random crackling on both channels,
so I'm gonna drop a match set of 4 groove tubes into the output stage tonight.

Wish me luck! I'll shut 'er down when I'm done from now on.

Thanks guys!
Tomek.

-edit

PS

Oh ya! Is the output stage on the AD30HTC self biasing?
Can I just drop the four EL34 in?

Thanks again, Tomek.

deadduck · Post by **deadduck** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 3:42 am

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by tomek
Oh ya! Is the output stage on the AD30HTC self biasing?
Can I just drop the four EL34 in?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You'll probably be better off putting EL84s in that AD30.

As far as leaving the amp on standby 24/7, that's probably not the best idea. I'll leave mine on standby for 30 minutes or so when our band takes a break during practice or a performance, so it will be ready to go when I get back on stage. But that's about it.

Now it won't necessarily hurt your amp to leave it on like that. Old tube radios were often on all the time. But it will decrease tube life. I'd cut it off when it isn't in use.

tomek · Post by **tomek** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 3:53 am

Thanks for the reply Keith!
Why do you suggest the 84s over the 34s?

Joshlespaul1952 · Post by **Joshlespaul1952** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:48 am

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by tomek
 Thanks for the reply Keith!
Why do you suggest the 84s over the 34s?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

tomek · Post by **tomek** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:52 am

ahh s---.. I read the wrong spec in the manual.
For some bloody reason I was looking at the AD140HTC column.
Back to the shop for an exchange.

Perhaps I should stop by the hardware shop to pick up a hammer
to bash myself in the head with..

Joshlespaul1952 · Post by **Joshlespaul1952** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:56 am

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by tomek
 ahh s---.. I read the wrong spec in the manual.
For some bloody reason I was looking at the AD140HTC column.
Back to the shop for an exchange.

Perhaps I should stop by the hardware shop to pick up a hammer
to bash myself in the head with..

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Just joking with you man.

Heartsndspades · Post by **Heartsndspades** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:59 am

ahahaha, it happends to the best of us mayn.

tomek · Post by **tomek** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 6:42 am

Thanks guys.
I'm just so frustrated with this.

It was in the shop for three weeks, only to find out it still needs some work.
Now back to the shop to get the correct tubes. (Too many back and forth)

I just want my baby back

oh well..
let's call it a learning experience! hehe

You guys (as always) have been great.
Thanks again for all the help and support,
Tomek.

tomek · Post by **tomek** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:29 am

So.. gonna return the incorrect tubes tomorrow.

They don't have any "quad" EL84 in stock,
so they are requesting I provide a model (part#) so they can order me some.

Been looking at:

Goove Tubes EL84 Tube Quartet
and
Electro Harmonix EL84 Tubes Quad

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Tomek.

dylan · Post by **dylan** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:33 am

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by tomek
 So.. gonna return the incorrect tubes tomorrow.

They don't have any "quad" EL34 in stock,
so they are requesting I provide a model (part#) so they can order me some.

Been looking at:

Goove Tubes E34LS Tube Quartet (EL34)
and
Electro Harmonix EL34 Tubes Quad

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Tomek.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

the AD30 requires EL84's not EL34's

Turn off or leave in stand-by ??

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