Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => S.E.X. Kit => Topic started by: tdogzthmn on May 03, 2013, 07:36:27 AM

Title: Having problem with tubes
Post by: tdogzthmn on May 03, 2013, 07:36:27 AM

One of my tubes has developed a problem where it begins to cause static in the channel.  Even with the volume all the way off there is a noticeable static coming through the speakers.  I have swapped the tube and confirmed that static occurs on which ever side is using that tube.  I had the same issue a few weeks back although it had seemed to settle down again and play without issue.  I wanted to know if there might be something else to check or if its just a tube that's going bad and needing replacement. 

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: Doc B. on May 03, 2013, 08:04:47 AM

Yup, they just do that sometimes.

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: tdogzthmn on May 03, 2013, 08:40:07 AM

Are you saying I will need to replace them or wait and see if the issue resolves itself again?  The amp is only a few months old so I cant imagine I've burned through the tubes useful life already.

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: Doc B. on May 03, 2013, 09:08:53 AM

It's simply about the variability of tubes. Some just get noisy whether they have had a lot of use or not. And a worn out tube may still be dead quiet, but the big difference with a worn tube is that the sound will usually be less dynamic and more prone to harmonic distortion.

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: Paul Birkeland on May 03, 2013, 11:25:37 AM

If I have a tube that does that, and I am 100% sure it's the tube, I will leave the piece of equipment on for 3-6 weeks and let the tube cook like crazy to see if it will settle down.

In the case of the 6DN7, I'd just buy 5-6 to have around as spares since they aren't particularly expensive.

-PB

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: azrockitman on May 05, 2013, 07:31:50 PM

sorry to tag on but where is a good place to "stock up"?

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: jimiclow on May 05, 2013, 07:47:21 PM

tubesandmore.com

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: tdogzthmn on May 05, 2013, 07:49:08 PM

I've had problems finding sources for these tubes as well. If someone could point me towards a reliable source I'd appreciate it! On the upside I've gotten less hum the past two days so it might be that things are settling down again. I would say the amp and tubes have around 400 hours on them so far. 

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: Paul Birkeland on May 06, 2013, 05:41:10 AM

It looks like Antique Electronics has plenty of these.

-PB

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: FraGGleR on May 07, 2013, 02:24:55 PM

These guys have good prices and will match pairs if you want for $2 extra a tube (no idea if necessary, but was cheap enough for peace of mind):  http://www.thetubecenter.com/vacuumtubes_tubelist_tubes_6d4-6jz8.html

Title: Re: Having problem with tubes
Post by: azrockitman on May 07, 2013, 05:51:57 PM

Thanks to all for the tips!