Croft phono integrated question....

[Frazeur1]

Sorry if this sounds like quite a stupid question to ask, but here it goes. If one has a Croft integrated with phono section in it, but doesn't utilize that part, will it upset power supply etc. to just pop the two phono tubes out until that wonderful day comes when it does get used? I realize those tubes will last a long time, but just wondered. Also maybe there would be other benefits not having them sitting there and heated up if not using....I don't have one of these yet, but certainly on my radar.

[Macca]

Good question and I don't know the answer.

I would say that given the life expectancy of the tubes in that application will be up to 40,000 hours it doesn't really matter if you are using them or not. Also they are not expensive to replace (unless you go for some exotic NOS efforts). I doubt they will hinder sound quality in any way by being 'on'.

[Frazeur1]

Thanks Martin. Just one of those things that kind of popped in my noggin. I know some older tube stuff could be a bit picky with regards to power supplies/regulation etc., but the simplicity of the Croft just gave me a bit to wonder in this case. I know the tubes are cheap and have a long life expectancy, so yeah, really no big deal at all.

[Macca]

No it is a fair question - I used to have the pre-amp but it never occured to me that that phono stage valves were being 'wasted' - so to speak - when listening to the line stage, but I suppose they are.

[hifi_dave]

With the phono tubes being cheap as chips and with a very long lifespan, is it worth the aggravation of removing them ?

[Frazeur1]

Dave, maybe not, I guess my question was more along the lines of would it hurt anything to do so though. No biggie here, just curious. By the way, how is the leg coming along?

[Firebottle]

The heater supplies are regulated and the HT draw is quite small so there will be no detriment to removing the phono stage valves IMO.

:)

[Frazeur1]

Thanks Alan!

[hifi_dave]

Dave, maybe not, I guess my question was more along the lines of would it hurt anything to do so though. No biggie here, just curious. By the way, how is the leg coming along?

Thank you. I am getting used to the horrible Aircast boot. It is still very uncomfortable but I can cope with it. Only another 7 weeks to go (hopefully).

It won't hurt the amp but I don't think it's worth the hassle.

[Frazeur1]

I can only imagine what a total pain the Aircast thing is, in a number of ways. Hope all continues to heal. Hang in there man! And thanks too for the response on the tubes.