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Post by theadmans on Feb 18, 2008 16:29:01 GMT
I fitted some 6N23P-EB in my x10d around a year ago. I tend to leave the x10d powered up 24/7. The reason I do this is that I listen to music at some point everyday. I like the fact that I don't need to pre-warmup the tubes before listening. Also the x10d has no on/off switch so is a pain to switch on and off.
My question is how much life should I expect from the tubes with the x10d permanently switched on. How will I tell when the tubes are shot - will the sound dissapear completely (or just be rendered in reduced quality). Maybe a stupid question but is the tube life shortened the more music you send through the x10d (or is it just the fact that it is powered up which shortens the life)?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2008 20:13:51 GMT
Yes, it is because the heaters are powered.
SandyK
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Post by aurum on Feb 19, 2008 8:14:42 GMT
You will notice that someone put a blanket over the sound when the tubes are really shot. A loss of detail will go gradually, which is a lot harder to spot. If someone you know has a home tester, then this will give you a general idea only.
When you slip a new set in you will go wow! I have been missing this & that!
I turn my unit on in the morning & off at night. That will generally double the tube life you are experiencing
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2008 8:51:00 GMT
Aurum
What the better Valve amplifiers need fitting, is a Standby switch, which would insert a diode ,or suitable series resistor, in the filament circuit to reduce the voltage to a lower level while waiting to be used. This should help prolong valve life, but give most of the advantages of permanent, or full day powering. Perhaps Rick can suggest other strategies ?
Turning the unit on in the morning & off at night, sounds like a good idea.
SandyK
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Feb 19, 2008 10:22:03 GMT
Yes, KISS strategy. Use a timer for the PSU!  |
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Feb 19, 2008 10:24:25 GMT
I fitted some 6N23P-EB in my x10d around a year ago. I tend to leave the x10d powered up 24/7. The reason I do this is that I listen to music at some point everyday. I like the fact that I don't need to pre-warmup the tubes before listening. Also the x10d has no on/off switch so is a pain to switch on and off. My question is how much life should I expect from the tubes with the x10d permanently switched on. How will I tell when the tubes are shot - will the sound dissapear completely (or just be rendered in reduced quality). Maybe a stupid question but is the tube life shortened the more music you send through the x10d (or is it just the fact that it is powered up which shortens the life)? Hi threadmans, Actually, don't need to keep the tube amp on all the time. As long as you have about 1 to 2 hours of on time, the amp will already be at it's best. |
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Post by theadmans on Feb 19, 2008 16:35:19 GMT
Thanks for all the replies guys.
I'll have to get into the habit of pulling the power lead out of the x10d when I go to bed. Incidently if the wallwart is left plugged in and I pull the lead out of the back of the x10d is the wallwart still using electricity? It would be nice to know if I am making a saving on my electric bills as well as preserving my tubes.
My wallwart is currently in a fairly difficult to get at position so I'd prefer to just pull the power lead out of the x10d.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2008 19:29:49 GMT
theadmans
The still plugged in wallwart will only consume a small amount of electricity when not loaded.
SandyK
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2008 20:47:22 GMT
Miguel
It would cost a little more ! Perhaps the latest breed of designers have either forgotten , or don't know about such devices. Then again, perhaps these guys aren't capable of appreciating the difference that it makes to SQ when a piece of equipment is at it's optimum operating temperature ? Unfortunately, the majority of today's designers rely too heavily on measuring instruments , and not enough on the most sensitive piece of equipment of all, the human ear !
Alex
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Post by theadmans on Feb 21, 2008 11:57:36 GMT
I am now doing the pull the power lead out routine every night!
Just wondering could I make a DIY switch. If I was to buy a switch and maybe a small plastic box from Maplins or RS etc. Could I simply chop the thin power going from the Wallwart to the x10d and insert my DIY switch box in the middle. Forgive me - I a DIY novice - but would this be safe?
If this is a possibility could some clever person give me examples of the kinds of switches I would need.
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Feb 22, 2008 7:53:04 GMT
Or for less than $10 you could buy,  Good recommendation there. Threadman, that will save u all the work for more time at music. |
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Post by theadmans on Feb 22, 2008 18:52:23 GMT
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Feb 22, 2008 19:46:00 GMT
Maybe this is what You need www.rapidonline.comOrder Code: 75-0062 Price:£1.60  A single pole in-line switch with rocker actuator. * On position is clearly marked by a legend printed onto the concave rocker face * Suitable for table lamps etc. * Dimensions 64(L) x 31(W) x 20mm(D) * Available in black Voltage rating 10A 125V AC / 6A 250V AC Contact resistance 50mΩ max. Insulation resistance 500V DC, 100MΩ min. Dielectric strength 1500V AC, 1 minute Circuit SPST Material Nylon 6.6 |
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Post by theadmans on Feb 23, 2008 10:02:23 GMT
Maybe this is what You need www.rapidonline.comOrder Code: 75-0062 Price:£1.60 A single pole in-line switch with rocker actuator. * On position is clearly marked by a legend printed onto the concave rocker face * Suitable for table lamps etc. * Dimensions 64(L) x 31(W) x 20mm(D) * Available in black Voltage rating 10A 125V AC / 6A 250V AC Contact resistance 50mΩ max. Insulation resistance 500V DC, 100MΩ min. Dielectric strength 1500V AC, 1 minute Circuit SPST Material Nylon 6.6 Hey genius Insomniac! That looks exactly what I need and £1.60 only I like it - I'll get one on order. A quick question though - the power lead has two wires - will this switch allow me to connect both wires or just one? |
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Feb 23, 2008 12:17:05 GMT
Maybe this is what You need www.rapidonline.comOrder Code: 75-0062 Price:£1.60 A single pole in-line switch with rocker actuator. * On position is clearly marked by a legend printed onto the concave rocker face * Suitable for table lamps etc. * Dimensions 64(L) x 31(W) x 20mm(D) * Available in black Voltage rating 10A 125V AC / 6A 250V AC Contact resistance 50mΩ max. Insulation resistance 500V DC, 100MΩ min. Dielectric strength 1500V AC, 1 minute Circuit SPST Material Nylon 6.6 Hey genius Insomniac! That looks exactly what I need and £1.60 only I like it - I'll get one on order. A quick question though - the power lead has two wires - will this switch allow me to connect both wires or just one? As only 1 pole connect Live (Brown UK std) to it. |
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insomniac
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Post by insomniac on Feb 23, 2008 14:30:37 GMT
XTRProf, I think Theadmans is wanting to fit the switch in the DC cable from the wallwart rather than the brown Live mains supply?
Theadmans, You only need to cut one of the wires, usually the positive wire (check with Mike and he will tell you the correct colour/marking).
Also as Mike designs and builds the Pinky Power Supplies with power toggle switch, he may be able to offer you more advice on the matter.
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