New to tube amps.. Care-taking tips/Things to know?

[Feilong4]

So I have an already built Crack with speedball coming in a few days and so I'd like advice as to the basics care-taking of a tube amp and/or pretty things to know.

I'm completely new to tube amps (if we're not counting the Vali) so some questions I have right off the bat are:

-Is it safe to unplug the tube while the amp is still on (probably a very stupid question, but it's good to know for sure while I'm ahead)?
-In what environment should tubes be stored in (like room temp, low humidity)?
-How long is the average tube life and how do I know when it's time to get new ones?
-How do you dispose of tubes that are no longer good to use (if that's a thing)?
-Should tube amps be used in moderation as in so the amp won't overheat or something?
-Is it possible/safe to use 2 tubes from different manufacturers?
-Is one of the tube's function different from the other on the crack?

Also, please also give other advice on anything I should know as these are just questions from the top of my head.

Thanks!

 

[mcandmar]

-Not recommended for a number of reasons.  Never mind the issue of burnt fingers handling the hot glass
-Keep them in a dry location so the pins don't oxidize. i.e. avoid cold damp garages and basements.
-1000s of hours, and in some cased tens of thousands.  Their emissions drops off with use, but i've never managed to wear one out.  Its really not an issue worth worrying about.
-Same as an old light bulb.
-Don't be afraid to use it, but i wouldn't leave it running unnecessarily as you are wearing the tubes out over time.
-Yes, as long as each tubes is the correct part number you can use any brand you like.
-The smaller tubes does the amplification, i.e. makes the music signal louder, and the larger tube provides the power to drive the headphones.

Enjoy!

 

[Feilong4]

-Yes, as long as each tubes is the correct part number you can use any brand you like.
-The smaller tubes does the amplification, i.e. makes the music signal louder, and the larger tube provides the power to drive the headphones.

Enjoy!

What do you mean if each tube is the correct part number? So like for example, I got a small Telefunken tube and a big Tung-Sol tube would that be safe to use?

Also, are there only a set number of tubes that work with the Bottlehead Crack and how do I know whether or not a tube is compatible with the Bottlehead Crack?

Also, thanks for the reply! Really learning a lot today haha!

 

[Paul Birkeland]

What do you mean if each tube is the correct part number? So like for example, I got a small Telefunken tube and a big Tung-Sol tube would that be safe to use?

Tung-sol and Telefunken aren't part numbers, those are manufacturers. 

Here is the thread where you can read up about all the different tubes that will work in the amplifier.
http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=663.0