Hello. I am retired and live in the greater Boston, MA area. I started updating my stereo system (still playing vinyl) and am looking for info/advice on items such as amplifiers, phono preamps, DACs and other ancillary equipment. I began this project when I recently inherited a six-tube(?) amplifier built from a kit. Completed, I think, except for attaching the case covers. When get permission, the first question I will ask is "How long a stick should I use first time I turn it on." Thank you.
You might want to try a variac and start with a low voltage and slowly ramp up or a current limited power supply. You can wire up a simple current limiter with a light bulb, and google should help you out.