I would be interested in other comments on the turn-on/off vs. leave it on
conundrum.
I never turn off a tube if i'm going to use it within the next 3-4 hours.
On the other hand the Drake L4 I have has the original Amperex 8163 tubes
that came with it and my grandfather used the amp a lot during the first 35
years of its life. Keeping the tube cool (especially the anode seal at the
top) by running within rated limits contributes more to life expectancy than
reduced power cycling if you ask me.
I had a Centurion a few years ago - one of the newer models with the black
paint. It was the best amp I've ever had. Too bad about some guys having
problems with theirs. Must have been a bad run of transformers. I wish
TenTec would put a little higher voltage on the plates - i'd still run a KW
but with less grid/plate current.
73 Jason N1SU
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Jason Buchanan - Boxboro, MA
Website: http://n1su.com/
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