[ctviggen]

My new tube amp has a switch to allow me to switch between linear and triode mode.  Does this amp have to be off to switch this switch?  (I assume so.) 

As an aside, man those tubes get hot.  When I turn off the amp, I can hear "plinks" and "plonks" as the tubes cool down.  Is it bad to turn the amp on, listen for an hour, then turn it off?  As this is used to run my center channel, it's going to get a lot of use that will be of the short-term on variety. 

[zybar]

My new tube amp has a switch to allow me to switch between linear and triode mode.  Does this amp have to be off to switch this switch?  (I assume so.) 

As an aside, man those tubes get hot.  When I turn off the amp, I can hear "plinks" and "plonks" as the tubes cool down.  Is it bad to turn the amp on, listen for an hour, then turn it off?  As this is used to run my center channel, it's going to get a lot of use that will be of the short-term on variety. 

Bob,

The first answer is - it depends.   

Check your manual and follow the instructions.  I have had tube amps that had to be shut off and others that could switch on the fly.

It isn't bad per se to turn the amp on and off for short term use.  Most tube amps will take 10-30 minutes for their tubes to warm up and for the sound to get as good as it will get.  Since you are using this as a center channel amp, I am not sure if you care about maximum fidelity...  The plinks and plonks are normal and nothing to worry about.  You will learn what a bad tube sounds like at some point.   aa

What amp did you get?

George

George

[ctviggen]

George,

I got one of these:

http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=17005

It has 70W (Ultralinear), 38W (Triode) (8 ohms, though my speakers are 4ohms).

I bought it as a demo, with low hours.  I got it in the original box, but did not receive a manual (and can't find one online).  I will just turn it off before switching modes.  I'd like to spend a bit of time comparing the two modes, then just permanently selecting whichever mode sounds the best.

Man, this thing gets hot!  The good thing is that it really does seem to add more warmth to voices than did my Nuforce Ref. 9.  That's what I wanted -- more warmth. 

Did you buy extra tubes?  When you replace tubes, do you replace all of them? 

[bacobits1]

Bob,
Cayin makes a nice product. No Manual, I would call Acoustic Sounds and find out about the switching on the fly. They should be able to answer any questions you have and maybe supply a manual copy from another pair they have for sale.

On changing tubes, I always have various extras. Rectifier tubes usually last a long time,as long as 10 years, driver tubes can last a long time depending on the circuit and how hard it may be on them. Output tubes need to be replaced when they start sounding dull in the highs for a start. How long they last depends on how loud you may play them or how hard you push them. If played to clipping distorted volumes they won't last as long. Generally depending on cost I replace all 4 of my output tubes. Always have an extra set to pop in and compare if your not sure if they are used up. Noisy tubes applies to all the above along with any unusual flash brightness or glow. Replace it.

I hope this helps a bit.

Den

[PhilNYC]

I will just turn it off before switching modes.  I'd like to spend a bit of time comparing the two modes, then just permanently selecting whichever mode sounds the best.

I am not sure about the 860, but all of the Cayin tube integrateds allow for switching between ultralinear and triode mode on the fly (ie. you don't need to turn it off) from the remote control.  There is a slight pop, but nothing that would damage your speakers...

[ctviggen]

Thanks, Den and Phil.  I'll try switching the switch w/o turning it off this weekend.  Though, as a center channel, I should reset the system to the correct level in order to perform a listening test.  Still, it'll be faster for me to switch the switch than to shut down, switch the switch, turn on, run to my seat, etc.  I will now have to do some research about where to get some replacement tubes.  I see the large thread on that.  I actually purchased the amp from somewhere else, but I first want to go through the materials to ensure that the manual isn't there. 

[tdangelo]

I had the 860's and they can be switched on the fly without turning off - kinda neat actually.  I emailed the importer VASaudio about it and never got a reply ;(  You think it runs hot?  Compared to my Jolida's they 860's barely get warm 

Tony

My new tube amp has a switch to allow me to switch between linear and triode mode.  Does this amp have to be off to switch this switch?  (I assume so.) 

As an aside, man those tubes get hot.  When I turn off the amp, I can hear "plinks" and "plonks" as the tubes cool down.  Is it bad to turn the amp on, listen for an hour, then turn it off?  As this is used to run my center channel, it's going to get a lot of use that will be of the short-term on variety. 

[PhilNYC]

I emailed the importer VASaudio about it and never got a reply ;( 

FWIW, Steve Leung at VASAudio is horrible at returning emails.  But call him on the phone with some questions, and you'll have hard time getting him to stop talking...

[TONEPUB]

Yep, Steve is a really nice guy.  Had a great time chatting with him at CES....
His new preamp looks really interesting!