Does leaving the amp in stand-by drain tube life?

[user 6002]

If I leave my amp in standby mode, does it drain the tube life as if I was actually playing the the amp fully on?
Thanks

 

[Charlie]

No - it just leaves the heaters on. Voltage is going to the heaters but not to the rest of the circuit/tube.

You shouldn't leave the amp on in standby for extended periods of time if you aren't using it though. Always make sure you start the amp up in standby though. If you start the amp up cold the tubes are not working yet and it will send all sorts of wacky voltages through the amp.

 

[user 6002]

Thanks, is the reason that I shouldn't leave it in standby for a long time without using it, becase I'd be simply wasting electricity?

 

[Charlie]

Well you are still wearing the heater out when you are in standby mode. So you are still putting some wear on the tube but not as much as if you had it fully on.

Basically standby mode is there so you can power up the amp properly and for short breaks. From what I've read it's mostly so that you can power the amp up properly.

 

[ThunderMonkey]

Yeah, it's similar to starting your car, revving it up, slamming it into Drive or first gear and gunning it before it's warmed up. It causes unnecessary mechanical wear ! I always like to leave it on standby to warm up thoroughly for at 3-5 minutes although not necessary. Just me I guess. :wink: