Crack (basic) strange problem [RESOLVED]

[Adinfinitum]

hello all,

My first post and also my first build.

I recently finished my Crack build. I have the speedball kit but I wanted to start with the basic kit first then upgrade later. As far as the sound goes I am absolutely stunned by how good this is. I mean, I read the reviews and forum posts and was expecting something pretty good but this is way beyond my own expectations, especially since I built it myself.

Which brings me to my problem. When I turn on the BHC and let it warm for 30 minutes, there is no sound. I figured out if I tap the transformer with my finger a few times, the sound comes back and is fine. Now, the obvious issue would be a loose connection however:
1: I've run through all the connections and all seem pretty tight
2: It's always the same. No sound after turn on, tap the chassis / transformer and sound comes on - and stays on without any interruption. Turn amp off and repeat next time.

The repeatable consistency of this problem would indicate nothing as random as a loose wire.

Any ideas?

BTW, I am feeding my Crack from a Naim DAC V1 and listening via HD650.

Thanks,

[Paul Birkeland]

You nee to reheat all your solder joints.

[Adinfinitum]

Thanks CB
I was afraid that would be the response. I finally found the time and I went and re soldered all the joints, twice. Didn't find any loose  connections although some did appear to have cold joints. However I'm still having the same issue, which is why I went through this process twice. When I tap the chassis plate the sound comes on, then slowly fades away a few times before finally staying on. I'm also now getting periodic crackling noises in the HP even with the volume down. Once the sound is on, it is brilliant but this periodic muting is very annoying. Could it be a faulty cap?

[Natural Sound]

Doubt its a cap but I suppose anything is possible. Do you have any other tubes you can try?

BTW, I saw your photos in the gallery. I like the job you did on the base. Nice classic look.

[Adinfinitum]

Thanks very much NS

As for the problem, I think it's solved. Being intermittent I have my fingers crossed but so far so good.

And yes, it was all my fault 

That little resistor at 12 and 13. Hidden on the lower hole, the solder had flowed around the hole and not connected with resistor properly. Very hard to see and because the leads are so short it didn't appear loose. But I resoldered (4th time lucky) and seems to all be well.

Time now for the Speedball I think.

Thanks all for your input.