ical 0 Report post Posted May 5, 2009 (edited) Running it in now, planning to run it in the whole of tomorrow too. Especially since mine has extra BG caps in the PSU too. 20% of a cup of kopi can? Forgotten to mention, Blackgates caps take a super long time to run in. So you've to be very patience. Output tubes of headphone amp can last very long as it generate low current and voltage. So it safe to left it on overnight. I let mine run in for 2 weeks/24hr a day out of the box without any problem. Nowadays, I leave it on for more than 12hrs a day. But one thing you must note is allow it to warm up at least 15mins at zero volume before listening. Tube amps need time to reach their correct operating temperature. If you play while it cold, the tubes will not be fully operational, amp will starved for voltage and current. Resulting distortion that's both unpleasant to listen and potentially damaging tubes, headphones and even output transformer. Will share with you the secret of Qi Cones when we meet. just heard that Ig's Heaven on Parkway Parade still stock selective Mathmos lava lamp models but too far for me to visit Better get it before it gone forever. Next time you want have to order from UK which is even further. Some nice pic for your viewing pleasure. Look how nice and different from those fake one that Kidult has. :grin: It so nice and relaxing, watching it while listening. make it I'm the 3rd believer Enjoying ah. Shouldn't have share this secret with you guys. Audio is a selfish hobby. Who'll want their rig to lose out to others. Next time I'll have to charge for tips. I've so many hobbies to fund. Edited May 5, 2009 by ical Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ical 0 Report post Posted May 5, 2009 lava lamp. you all team woody. You're most welcome to join us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kidult 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 (edited) Better get it before it gone forever. Next time you want have to order from UK which is even further. Some nice pic for your viewing pleasure. Look how nice and different from those fake one that Kidult has. :grin: It so nice and relaxing, watching it while listening. arr...my is Mathmos clone lava lamp la...still work wat cheap and good they even have more colour variegation than Mathmos Edited May 6, 2009 by kidult Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kachui 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 For woody's fan...should get this...by the way, the company's the original manufacturer of the lava lamps in the US...bought the copyright from the creator. 4 feet and made of wood... http://www.lavalite.com/product/colossus-p...od-finish-base/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kidult 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 For woody's fan...should get this...by the way, the company's the original manufacturer of the lava lamps in the US...bought the copyright from the creator. 4 feet and made of wood... ohhh it sure sound excellent with the rig Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uberburger101 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Forgotten to mention, Blackgates caps take a super long time to run in. So you've to be very patience. Output tubes of headphone amp can last very long as it generate low current and voltage. So it safe to left it on overnight. I let mine run in for 2 weeks/24hr a day out of the box without any problem. Nowadays, I leave it on for more than 12hrs a day. But one thing you must note is allow it to warm up at least 15mins at zero volume before listening. Tube amps need time to reach their correct operating temperature. If you play while it cold, the tubes will not be fully operational, amp will starved for voltage and current. Resulting distortion that's both unpleasant to listen and potentially damaging tubes, headphones and even output transformer. Will share with you the secret of Qi Cones when we meet. My amp seems to run quite hot though after about 4-5 hours, not like the Yamamoto. Just wondering, if there's a thunderstorm will my amp be in danger? Since I have no surge protector or anything, that's why I haven't left it on overnight. Yes, I do let it warm up before listening. Not sure if it's the warm-up but yesterday I listened after 2 hours of warming up and it sounded better than I remembered. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ical 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 (edited) It normal for tube amp to be hot. My Quad II Fory can fry an egg on top. Yamamoto is using small tubes combine with huge transformers so doesn't run as hot. If there's a thunderstorm, pull out the plug from the outlet. Consumer surge protector or conditioner can't protect components from lightning, even when it not on? Once hit, anything goes. I've ever seen a TV fried before. However, the flats nowadays have better protection from lightning. But I still remove the plugs when there's a big thunderstorm. Can't afford to take the risk unless I'm looking for excuse to upgrade. Once the Blackgates caps runs in, everything will open up. Effect is like day and nite. Another cons is it takes a long time to warm up which most are turn off, about an hours at least. But it'll reward you with great sound. Edited May 6, 2009 by ical Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kachui 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Yes, I am always wary about thunder storms after the experience I had some years ago in HK...Lightning struck my apartment building and burned my pre-amp, Nakamichi amp, and even my fridge! The amp was sent for repair and the technicians could not get it fixed until 4 months later...luckily since it took them such a long time to get it fixed, they decided not to charge me although warranty was over (did not tell them it was burned due to lightning). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ical 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 arr...my is Mathmos clone lava lamp la...still work wat cheap and good they even have more colour variegation than Mathmos So defensive! I think I've a spare one lying around. Can sell if you want. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jpcc 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 For those who want some basic info on tube sound, this is quite a good read. http://wapedia.mobi/en/Tube_sound Yeah caps need the longest time to run in. A few hundred hours are not uncommon. But I would think it is not really good for the tube amps to continuously run for a long time. Solid state is slightly the opposite. Solid state prefers never to power down. Pass labs preamp has no power switch. Naim especially champions not powering down the switch and many claimed sound is improved after a few months/years of always-on. 5-6 hours is marginally ok but anything longer...... mmmm depends on the quality of your transformer, tubes prefer a well ventilated or air con room , obviously Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kachui 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Nice headphone racks...but expensive... http://www.headphile.com/page35.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ical 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 (edited) Still prefer mine from Senn. Cheap and look damn good. Edited May 6, 2009 by ical Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kachui 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 (edited) Unfortunately the senn headphone holder not suitable for my rack. Crossroad Rack is more suitable...and cheap. Edited May 6, 2009 by Kachui Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kidult 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Unfortunately the senn headphone holder not suitable for my rack. Crossroad Rack is more suitable...and cheap. and then u'll need the Stax raincoat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kachui 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Not that cheap... Talking about Crossroad rack...found this...the price we are getting for it here is not too bad, I guess. http://www.unclewilsons.com/shop/step1.php?number=590 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
