Octave V 16 Single Ended User manual

Owner's Manual
English
V 16 Single Ended

3
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for choosing OCTAVE
V 16 Single Ended
You are now the owner of one of the world's most innovative and reliable amplifiers. Look
after it, and it will provide you many years of listening pleasure.
You often hear people claim that tube amplifier design has not progressed for years. The
operating principles of tubes have indeed been documented extensively and are well
known to amplifier designers. Of course, the same can be said for transistor amplifiers.
However, advances in both technologies are still possible thanks to the development of
innovative and improved components, our greater appreciation of the fundamental
principles and, of course, deeper and more advanced insights into the interaction of
amplifier and loudspeaker. With tube amplifiers in particular, a general reluctance to depart
from the classic circuit designs has not done the technology any favors. Although today's
loudspeakers and source equipment provide better performance than ever before, they
also present greater demands on amplifiers. Modern sound reproduction equipment
delivers a level of performance at a price that simply would not have been possible 20 or
even 10 years ago.
These advances have been achieved through the application of the latest technological
developments as they become available and affordable. OCTAVE has specialized in tube
amplification for more than 30 years, during which time we have developed a number of
innovative technologies that have earned us a reputation as one of the leaders in the field.
Here's wishing you many happy hours of musical pleasure!
Andreas Hofmann

4

5
CONTENTS
Page
Introduction ................................................................................................. 3
1. Description of the V 16 Single Ended .......................................................... 7
2. Safety instructions ....................................................................................... 9
2.1 Before you begin .......................................................................................... 9
2.2 Placement .................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Warranty ....................................................................................................... 10
3. Getting started .............................................................................................. 11
3.1 Unpacking, package contents ...................................................................... 11
3.2 Removing the grille ...................................................................................... 11
3.3 Installing the power tubes ............................................................................ 12
3.4 Switching on for the first time: the Soft-Start feature ................................... 13
3.5 Connecting other components ..................................................................... 13
4. Controls – the front panel ............................................................................. 14
5. Connections – the rear panel ....................................................................... 16
6. Advanced functions ...................................................................................... 18
6.1 Subsonic Filter ............................................................................................. 18
6.2 Protection ..................................................................................................... 18
6.3 Soft-Start ...................................................................................................... 19
6.4 Speaker Operation - BIAS Selector ............................................................ 19
6.5 Headphone Operation - OUT Selector ......................................................... 19
6.6 Ecomode ...................................................................................................... 19
7. Tubes ........................................................................................................... 20
7.1 Removing the grille (see 3.2) ....................................................................... 20
7.2 Tube layout .................................................................................................. 20
7.3 Replacing the tubes ..................................................................................... 21
7.4 Running in the tubes .................................................................................... 21
7.5 Tube service life ........................................................................................... 21
8. Remote Control ............................................................................................ 22
9. Option Pre-Out / Filter Function ................................................................... 23
9.1 Regulated preamplifier output – Pre-Out ..................................................... 23
9.2 Setting of the Filter Function ........................................................................ 24
9.2.1 Jumper setting “OFF” ................................................................................... 24
9.2.2 Jumper setting “ON” ..................................................................................... 24
9.3 Setup with an active subwoofer ................................................................... 25
9.4 Bi-amping systems ...................................................................................... 25
9.5 Bi-amped systems with Level Adjustor ........................................................ 26
9.5.1 Level Adjustor option .................................................................................... 26
10. Option (Super) Black Box ............................................................................. 27
10.1 Black Box option .......................................................................................... 27
10.2 Connecting to the amplifier .......................................................................... 27
10.3 Super Black Box option ................................................................................ 28
10.4 Technical Data ............................................................................................. 28
11. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 29
11.1 Faults caused by external issues ................................................................. 29
11.2 Faults caused by tubes, faulty tubes ............................................................ 30
12. Specifications and Dimensions .................................................................... 32

6

7
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE V 16 Single Ended
The founding principle at OCTAVE has always been to apply modern innovations to classic tube
technology.
OCTAVE technology entails a further developed tube amplifier topology utilizing an innovative,
independent approach until the traits that correspond to the company philosophy are achieved:
powerful dynamics, low noise, wide bandwidth, incredible stability, extended lifetime, and
comprehensive safety. For over 30 years now, OCTAVE has exclusively crafted high-end
amplification products that have fully embodied these aforementioned characteristics. The OCTAVE
approach has been market proven and validated, and no other audio company has achieved what
OCTAVE has accomplished in this regard.
The time has now come for OCTAVE to apply the company’s exclusive amplifier technologies to a
single-ended design, as this circuitry is desirable for its natural audio reproduction and is capable of
realizing clear sonic benefits that are particularly ideal for high-efficiency loudspeakers as well as for
headphones. Single-ended amplifiers possess a naturally harmonic sonic signature and offer an
extremely lucid midrange, as the music signal is not split and thus no crossover distortions of the
positive and negative half-waves arise.
Developing a single-ended Class A circuitry presented a unique challenge for OCTAVE: how to fully
overcome the disadvantages of this amplifier principle while bringing its sonic benefits to the
forefront.
OCTAVE applied its myriad technical innovations and proprietary output transformer technology to
develop a sophisticated new amplifier to meet this challenge: The result is the all-new OCTAVE V
16 Single Ended integrated amplifier, the company’s first ever single-ended design.
While the natural sonic character and midrange clarity of the single-ended circuit is uniquely
desirable, there are also some known limitations to the single-ended amplifier topology that needed
to be addressed:
1. Level reduction in the bass frequencies – OCTAVE has eliminated this problem inherent in
single-ended amplifiers via a new, highly specialized magnetic-field compensated output
transformer. OCTAVE is renowned for its proprietary transformer designs which are devel-
oped, wound and meticulously crafted in-house. The power bandwidth in the bass frequen-
cies of the OCTAVE V 16 Single Ended remains linear up to 10Hz as a result of this custom-
ized transformer design.
2. Level reduction in the high frequency range and limited bandwidth - By means of specific
driver stages and an optimization of the feedback, OCTAVE has been able to extend the
bandwidth of the OCTAVE V 16 Single Ended from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, a bandwidth spec that
was previously considered impossible to achieve from a single-ended amplifier design.
3. Relatively high residual noise in the loudspeaker output - The level of hum in the OCTAVE
V 16 Single Ended was rendered virtually immeasurable via OCTAVE its optimized position-
ing of the mains transformer in respect to the output transformer, which also negates the
need for an outboard power supply. The company’s sophisticated electronic stabilization cir-
cuits serve to further ensure that any sources of noise or hum is eliminated.
a. The low-frequency noise level achieved at the loudspeaker as well as the head-
phone outputs is in the range of – 110 dB / 1 W at 8 ohms, which corresponds to
approximately 15 – 20 μV at 50 Hz.

8
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE V 16 Single Ended
4. High temperatures during high-current rest in Class-A operation – Most single-ended Class-
A amplifier designs are extremely inefficient, typically idling between three to five times the
output power. Thus these devices become very hot during normal operation.
A. The OCTAVE V 16 Single Ended single-ended amplifier utilizes an adaptive three-
step setting of the Class-A mode. The Class-A level is automatically adjusted be-
tween 100% and 35% to the load profile of the loudspeaker (4/8 ohms) and head-
phones, which considerably reduces the amplifier’s operating temperature, while sig-
nificantly extending its lifespan as well.
B. In addition, the OCTAVE V 16 Single Ended features a unique version of OCTAVE
its energy-saving "Ecomode" technology, which serves to reduce the Class-A level
to 35% during pauses in the music signal, and inaudibly rises when a musical signal
is once again present.
5. Disadvantages of expensive, directly heated triodes -OCTAVE has developed the OCTAVE
V 16 Single Ended to operate a KT 120 pentode tube in a triode circuit. It is ideally suited for
single-ended Class A operation due to its particular characteristics: very high performance,
excellent longevity, tight tolerances, and widespread availability – while avoiding the tech-
nical problems of a traditional triode tube such as the 300 B. The OCTAVE V 16 Single
Ended architecture will thus also allow the use of KT 150, KT 88, or 6550 tubes, for example,
making its design extremely universal.
OCTAVE has also equipped the V16 Single Ended with an optional Pre-Out feature. While adding
complexity, this option affords great flexibility. Thus the V 16 Single Ended is a perfect companion to
myriad system setups, and can be used to drive headphones, high efficiency loudspeakers, hybrid
systems (with active bass), or in conventional bi-amp setups. An equalizer is used to cut the deep
bass frequencies (below 80 Hz), so the V 16 Single Ended is only responsible for the midrange and
treble. The frequency range is optimized by Octave and thus not adjustable. One primary benefit in
the case of bi-amping is to take advantage of the breathtakingly beautiful single ended performance
in the sensitive mid and high frequency range while employing a separate power amp (or internal
amp in the speaker) to handle the bass region.
The long development time of the OCTAVE V 16 Single Ended has surely paid off: an
uncompromising single-ended Class-A integrated amplifier that delivers ultra-quiet operation
highlighted by deep bass, a natural midrange and silky-smooth highs combined with an unsurpassed
degree of reliability and longevity.
A pure, modern classic amplifier in every regard.

9
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Before you begin
In case of emergency: disconnect the plug from the mains supply
Never use an amplifier that is damaged or faulty. Make sure it has been labeled as defective and
that it cannot be used until it has been repaired by a qualified service engineer.
Make sure that there is easy access to the IEC socket and power cable.
Do not open the case
There are dangerously high voltages and hot tubes inside this equipment. To avoid a burn or the risk
of electric shock, never allow anyone except qualified personnel to open the case or remove the grill.
Service and maintenance
For reasons of safety, please ensure that servicing, repairs and other modifications to OCTAVE
equipment are carried out only by a qualified technician. Defective fuses should also only be replaced
by a qualified technician. Always replace fuses with ones of the same type and rating. If your amplifier
requires servicing, please ship or take your equipment directly to OCTAVE or to one of our authorized
service centers.
Symbols and terms used in warnings
The following warnings, symbols and terms are used in this document in compliance with the Amer-
ican National Standard ANSI Z535.6-2011:
The general danger symbol, in conjunction with the terms CAUTION, WARNING, or
DANGER, warns of the risk of severe injury.
The triangle symbol with the lightning bolt warns of non-isolated, dangerous voltages
inside the case and of hazards posed by electrical shocks. This work must be per-
formed by a professional.
ATTENTION Indicates a danger that could lead to damage or destruction of the device.
CAUTION Indicates a danger that represents a low or medium risk of injury.
WARNING Indicates a danger that could lead to death or severe injury.
Warning format
WARNING TERM
Type and source of danger
Consequences of ignoring the warning
► Action needed to avoid danger
Before connecting
Make sure that the voltage of your amplifier matches your local mains voltage.
Grounding
This amplifier is a protection class 1 device, with an earth conductor. Therefore a three-pin power
cable with a protective earth contact must be used (included in the scope of delivery).

10
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2.2 Placement
Location
 OCTAVE equipment is designed strictly for use in a dry domestic environment. Do not use it in
open air or in damp environments!
 Never place plants or liquid-filled containers on your amplifier. Take care that objects do not fall
or liquids are not spilled into the enclosure. Should this happen, disconnect the mains plug im-
mediately and have your amplifier checked by a qualified service technician.
 Condensation may form if the amplifier is taken from a cold environment into a warm one. In this
case, wait until the amplifier has reached room temperature and is dry before switching it on.
 Avoid installing the amplifier close to sources of heat, such as heaters, or anywhere that it may
be in direct sunlight.
 Do not operate your OCTAVE amplifier near flammable materials, gases, or vapors. Avoid areas
where there may be heavy accumulations of dust or where the amplifier may be subject to me-
chanical vibration.
 Place your OCTAVE amplifier on a stable, even surface.
Cover
Never operate the amplifier without the cover.
Ventilation
 Ensure sufficient air circulation around your amplifier. If you intend to install your equipment in
a cupboard or a shelf unit, ensure that there is at least a 10 centimeter gap between the venti-
lation slots and the walls all around the amplifier.
 To prevent heat accumulation, the back of the cupboard should have ventilation holes.
 Do not rest the equipment on a soft surface such as carpet or foam sheeting.
2.3 Warranty
OCTAVE can only guarantee the safety, reliability and performance of this unit if modifications and
repairs are carried out by specialized personnel and if the amplifier is operated in accordance with
the instructions contained in this manual.

11
3. GETTING STARTED
3.1. Unpacking, package contents
Scope of delivery
 Integrated tube amplifier V 16 Single Ended Line
 1 set power tubes (serial equipment: 2 pc KT120)
 Power cord
 Remote control
 2 screwdrivers: 1 x 3 mm Allen key for removing the cover
1 x TX10 screwdriver for TX10 screws
 4 x M4 x 10 Torx screws TX10 for fixing the tube plate (without the grille)
 Octave cleaning cloth and soft gloves
 Owner‘s manual with certificate
3.2. Removing the grille
Procedure
For your own safety, make sure that the amplifier is not connected to mains.
 Completely remove the four hexagonal screws using the Allan key supplied. There are
two screws on each side.
 Carefully pull the grille upward to remove.

12
3. GETTING STARTED
3.3. Installing the power tubes
The output tubes you get from Octave are
matched with an identical or up to +/- 0.5
match code
Therefore you can insert the power tubes
wherever you want (position 1 or position 2;
see chapter 7 “Tubes”)
Insert the power tubes into their sockets.
Ensure that you correctly locate the anti-
rotation lug on each of the tubes
Anti-rotation recess
on the tube socket

13
3. GETTING STARTED
3.4. Switching on for the first time – the Soft-Start feature
The V 16 Single Ended is equipped with a multi-stage Soft-Start-Turn-On protection circuit which
extends component as well as tube life considerably by protecting against stress caused by typical
high inrush currents during switch on.
Procedure


Check that the volume regulator is set to 0, check if the mains switch is in position 0.
 Connect the V 16 Single Ended to the mains.
 Switch on the V 16 Single Ended using the amplifier’s mains power on/off switch.
Some LEDs will glow, depending on the position of the input- and function-push-buttons:
In any case one of the input-LEDs will shine indicating that the unit is active. The LEDs below
the function push button will light up depending on the setting.
A
fter a few minutes start up time the unit will be ready to play music.
3.5. Connecting other components
Procedure


Be sure to switch off the V 16 Single Ended again!
 Connect the other components of your system to the appropriate sockets on the rear of the
V 16 Single Ended. (See chapter 5 "Connections – the rear panel").
 Switch on the V 16 Single Ended using the on/off switch and wait a few minutes. Now you
can play music.

14
4. CONTROLS – the front panel

15
4. CONTROLS – the front panel
Legend


Power switch 0 = off; 1 = on.
The LED from Input 1, 2 or 3 lights up.



HEADPHONE
OUTPUTS The XLR and the 6.3 mm outputs are connected in parallel, therefore you
can connect two headphones at the same time without any problems.



FUNCTION
BIAS High: Sets the maximum idle current of the output tubes.
BIAS High with the LED shining:
This is the setting for low impedance (4 ohms) speakers.
BIAS High with the LED off:
The idle current of the output tubes is reduced. This is the recommended
setting for speakers with an impedance higher than 4 ohms.
OUT High : Sets the maximum output level.
OUT High with the LED shining:
This is the recommended setting for loudspeaker operation and for high
impedance headphones. The maximum output level is 9 V.
OUT High with the LED off:
This position is recommended only for Headphones with a very high
efficiency. The maximum output level is 4 V
Loudspeaker:
Switching between loudspeaker and headphone output. If the
Loudspeaker is in operation the LED is shining.


Remote control
receiver
To ensure optimum operation of the IR-remote control, do not cover this
window.

Input Here you can select the desired input signal. A blue LED indicates the
selected input below the corresponding push button switch.
Pos 1: IN 1 RCA line level input for CD, SACD and similar.
Pos 2: IN 2 RCA line level input for tuner, etc.
Pos 3: IN 3 XLR line level input for DAC, CD, SACD, etc.

Volume control Remote controlled motorized potentiometer.

Protection A red LED lights up in the louver when the electronic protection system
has switched off the amplifier in case of an amplifier or tube fault (see
chapter 6.2 “Protection”).

16
5. CONNECTIONS – the rear panel

17
5. CONNECTIONS – the rear panel
Legend

Inputs IN 1: RCA line level input for CD, Tuner etc.
IN 2: RCA line level input for CD, Tuner etc.
IN 3: Balanced XLR line level input for CD, DAC etc.

Switch for
Subsonic filter
The subsonic filter is active at all inputs. Subsonic filter “ON” is
recommended in case of any analog playback if the phono-preamp for
example has no internal subsonic filter.
Pre Out
(optional)
Regulated preamp output
(see chapter 9 “Option Pre-Out / Filter Function”).
(Super) Black
Box connector
The (Super) Black Box is an outboard power supply capacitance
upgrade for the power amplifier section
(see chapter 10 “ Option (Super) Black Box”).
You should switch off the V 16 Single Ended using the power switch
before connecting and disconnecting the (Super) Black Box!
AC supply
socket
IEC socket with integrated fuse holder.
The fuse is located in a pull-out compartment underneath the socket.
You can open the fuse compartment after removing the mains plug.
For 230/240 V: 2.5 A slow-blow H (5 x 20 mm).
For 115/240 V: 4 A slow-blow H (5 x 20 mm).
For 100 V: 4 A slow-blow H (5 x 20 mm).
Loudspeaker
outputs
Speaker connection terminals.
Red = positive terminal
Black = negative terminal
The speaker negative terminal is connected to ground.

18
6. ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
6.1 Subsonic Filter
Single ended amplifier designs are sensitive in respect of extremely low frequencies below 20 Hz.
Such low frequencies can occur during analog playback and in blockbuster soundtracks. Therefore
the subsonic filter prevents distortions caused by low level signals. The subsonic filter is a second
order filter design, cutoff frequency is 22 Hz / - 3 db.
The subsonic filter is active for all three inputs and can be switched
OFF or ON with switch (9) (see chapter 5 “Connections – the rear panel)
6.2. Protection
The V 16 Single Ended features a comprehensive electronic monitoring and protection system. This
system will automatically switch off the V 16 Single Ended in case of a fault occurring in the power
section, respectively the power tubes. The protection system has been designed to keep the unit
safe from all consequences of overloads of any kind and to protect the output tubes from current
surges.
The red “protection” LED lights up in the ventilation louver [No. (7), chapter 4 “Controls – the front
panel”] to indicate that the protection system has tripped.
The amplifier will not play music once the protection system has tripped
If a Black Box or a Super Black Box is connected to the V 16 Single Ended, the front panel (operate)
LED of the Black Box / Super Black Box will go out. If the (Super) Black Box is connected, tripping
the protection system will automatically activate the discharge circuit of the (Super) Black Box (see
chapter 10 “Option (Super) Black Box”).
The following conditions can cause the protection system to trip:
- Overdriving the V 16 Single Ended to excessive levels or with excessive levels of low-
frequency.
- A fault in one or more of the output tubes.
- A fault in one of the driver tubes which overloads the affected channel.
Once the protection system has tripped, the only way you can turn the V 16 Single Ended back on
is to turn the ON/OFF switch OFF and then ON again. Allow the unit two minutes to cool down before
switching back to ON. If possible, identify and eliminate the cause of the problem (see chapter 11
"Troubleshooting").
-10
-9.5
-9
-8.5
-8
-7.5
-7
-6.5
-6
-5.5
-5
-4.5
-4
-3.5
-3
-2.5
-2
-1.5
-1
-0.5
+0
+0.5
d
B
r
A
20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 1
0
k2
0
k
50
k1
00
k

19
6. ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
6.3. Soft-Start
The V 16 Single Ended input- and output-tube-heaters as well as its high-voltage-rails are logic
controlled to ensure that the operation of the output tubes as well as input stage voltages are
constantly monitored and controlled by the Power Management System to protect the vital internal
parts (tubes, rectifier, electrolytic caps, switches, etc.) against excessive turn-on current. This
increases the lifetime not only of the tubes, but also of the capacitors, while all other power related
components derive benefit through this system.
The Soft-Start is always activated within the first 60 seconds after the unit is switched on.
During this time you cannot listen to music, there will be no signal in the speaker- and
headphone-outputs.
6.4 Speaker Operation - BIAS Selector
The V 16 Single Ended is equipped with a BIAS selector. The BIAS selector allows to switch between
two BIAS settings. BIAS means the idle current of the output tubes. The value of the idle current is
directly related to the loudspeaker impedance. The lower the impedance the higher should be the
idle current for best performance
Changing the idle current is a practicable way to match the output Class-A-stage to the load
impedance perfectly. An additional positive aspect is to avoid unnecessary high current and heat
because of an idle current that would be too high in respect to the load resistance.
The values you can select with the BIAS selector – High and Low – correspond with the speaker
impedance 4 and 8 ohms. Most of the high efficiency speakers have an impedance of 6 ohms
or higher, therefore you should select BIAS Low as the standard setting. In case of bi-amping,
with the V 16 Single Ended connected to the middle- and high-frequency-speakers of the bi-amped
speakers, you should also set the BIAS to Low.
For all speaker applications you should set the Output selector to OUT High.
6.5 Headphone Operation - OUT Selector
In case of headphone operation, the BIAS High is not meaningful due to the high impedance of
headphones in general. Therefore the BIAS is internally programmed in headphone setting to a value
that ensures the best results with headphones. The BIAS selector is therefore not active in this mode.
The idle current is reduced because of the low output power and is optimized for headphones with
an impedance down to 10 ohms and higher.
The most headphones have an efficiency that matches to the setting OUT High, but in some rare
cases headphones have a very high efficiency and an impedance lower than 25 ohms. In these
cases we recommend to change to the OUT Low position. The maximum output level is limited to 4
V in this position, preventing the user against excessive level and is protecting the headphone against
damage.
6.6 Ecomode
The Ecomode electronic in the V 16 Single Ended is a signal sensing electronic system that controls
the idle current of the power tubes. In case of no music playback longer than 2 minutes the Ecomode
drives the idle current down to 35 %. The unit is still working in this mode. If the playback starts again
the Ecomode is releasing the BIAS (idle current) to the adjusted value – High or Low – in the
loudspeaker mode. This process is not noticeable and needs only 10 seconds to restore the selected
BIAS level.
Thus power consumption during music pauses and the dissipation heat is reduced.

20
7. TUBES
7.1. Removing the grille
See chapter 3.2.
7.2. Tube layout
Output tubes V1 – V2 KT120 as standard, gain selected. Marked with a match code in
numbers. It can be the same or a variation of up to +/- 0.5.
Because the tubes are precision selected, you can insert the power
tubes wherever you want (position 1 or position 2)
V1 left channel
V2 right channel
Driver tubes V4 ECC 82 (12 AU 7) gain selected
V3 + V5 EF 800, equivalent to EF 184, 6 EJ 7
The triode output stage topology in combination with the electronic controlled cathode BIAS system
of the V 16 Single Ended makes it possible to use a variety of output tubes. Because the specification
limits of the tubes are never exceeded in this particular mode, weaker output tubes may also be
considered. This is facilitated by the option of setting the BIAS current to two different values: BIAS
low and BIAS high.
Low BIAS: 8 ohms speakers. Alternative output tubes: EL 34, KT 77, 6 CA 7, 6550, KT 88
High BIAS: 4 ohms speakers. Output tubes: KT120, KT 150
Due to the high impedance and the high efficiency of headphones you can use all output
tubes in case of listening headphones only. In the setting headphone the BIAS (idle current)
is electronically controlled and reduced to a lower level than BIAS Low. The BIAS High/Low
push button selector is not active in the headphone position.
Note: Low BIAS tubes will not allow you to achieve the maximum output of the V 16 Single Ended.
We do not recommend using them with low efficiency or low impedance loudspeakers.
Some tubes will fit into the sockets but will still not work with the V 16 Single Ended – such as the EL
509 or 519 for example.

21
7. TUBES
7.3. Replacing the tubes
Driver and Output tubes: All tubes require no adjustment in the V 16.
General procedure
1.
Switch off the amplifier and allow it to cool down for 10 minutes. Remove
the old tubes and fit the new ones.
2. Switch on the amplifier and wait for 10 minutes to let the new Tubes to get
stabilized. The amplifier should work after this time.
7.4. Running in the tubes
All OCTAVE equipment is subject to a 48-hour continuous operation test at the factory to burn in the
tubes and the unit. The tubes are preselected and matched for the use in each particular model. The
Output tubes have a match code on the socket. Tubes with the same or +/- 0.5 match code
ensure low channel tolerances of +/- 0.2dB.
Old and even New tubes can take up to one month to run in and start sounding their best.
Daily use is beneficial in speeding up this process but is not mandatory. Continuous operation does
very little to help reduce the running-in time and is therefore not recommended.
7.5. Tube service life
 Thanks to the protection circuits and soft-start electronics, the output tubes in your amplifier
should achieve a service life of up to 3 - 5 years.
 Driver tubes can be used for 10 years or even longer.
 Because tubes have different service lives, you will never have to renew the entire tube
complement at the same time.
 Some tubes require a long time (up to 300 hours) to achieve their optimum sound quality.