Power Amp Switches

JLagoon

New member
Hi guys,

I just got my VHT 2502 today, but haven't got the Behringer cabinet (coming tomorrow). I just want to make sure of using the power amp.

So, when everything is plugged in, including speakers with correct OHM settings, I flip the MAIN switch on of the power amp first, then flip the STANDBY switch on after at least 1 minute. When I am done playing, I switch the STANDBY switch to standby, wait a couple of minutes, then turn off the MAIN switch.

Is this correct?

Thanks!!
 
Re: Power Amp Switches

JLagoon said:
Hi guys,

I just got my VHT 2502 today, but haven't got the Behringer cabinet (coming tomorrow). I just want to make sure of using the power amp.

So, when everything is plugged in, including speakers with correct OHM settings, I flip the MAIN switch on of the power amp first, then flip the STANDBY switch on after at least 1 minute. When I am done playing, I switch the STANDBY switch to standby, wait a couple of minutes, then turn off the MAIN switch.

Is this correct?

Thanks!!
Yep.. your correct. I usually do the same when I am finished playing. The longer I play, the longer I usually let it cool down before completely turning it off.

the VHT 2502 is an excellent poweramp. how do I know? cause I own one :D

But.. plugging it into a Behringer cabinet would be an insult to the VHT. come on man.. you gotta save your money and get something better :D


Cheers
 
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Re: Power Amp Switches

My understanding is that standby switch is for keeing the tubes warm when you're not playing it, but are about to play it in a few minutes. If you want, I guess you could let it sit a while in standby before going to off, but I don't see a real reason why unless you play at very high volume levels. The military suggests procedures like this for some of their equipment as well, so it's not like it's a bad idea....
 
Re: Power Amp Switches

I think you may want to wait longer than a minute, I usually wait like 5 or more minutes to make sure it nicely warmed up. On shutting down you can just directly turn off the amp by going main switch then standby both off or standby then main switch both off.
 
Re: Power Amp Switches

Duke of Metal said:
But.. plugging it into a Behringer cabinet would be an insult to the VHT. come on man.. you gotta save your money and get something better :D


Cheers
A+
 
Re: Power Amp Switches

Okay, let's think about this for a minute. The purpose of a standby switch, especially if you have a solid state rectifier, is two fold. The taking a break thing is rather useful, but primarily you want the electron cloud in that tube to be rolling around inside before you hit it with the full B+ voltages. If not, you'll end up stripping the coatings off your power tube innards and your power tubes will die a premature death. I know I'm kinda paraphrasing the technical jargon, but this is critical if you have a solid state rectifier.

Rectifier tubes kind of take a moment to hit the tubes with full voltages.

Either way, I want one on my amp for warming up.

Cooling it down is kind of worthless unless you are into playing notes while you turn off your amp. There is that method of draining filter caps that calls for playing your guitar/amp while pulling the electrical cord out of the wall socket. The music deteriorates to noise rather quickly. Do this often enough and those lovely power tubes will die a premature death.

Cool down is not necessary once you're stopped playing. Warming up is a great idea.
 
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