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tube flare up

76.102.225.147
Posted on February 27, 2016 at 15:24:34
red carerra
Audiophile

Posts: 98
Location: No. California
Joined: September 30, 2003
 Another question. Last evening, while listening, one of the power tubes (I have M60's and it was the one in front above the red power light) had a pretty good flare up. Kind of looked like a fire inside the tube. Clearly audible in the speaker and got the wife and dog excited. It subsided as quickly as it presented itself and we continued to enjoy the music but the episode has left me with a bit of concern. Should I be replacing this tube. Any advice, thoughts. Thanks. Tom

 

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RE: tube flare up, posted on February 28, 2016 at 09:43:00
c1ferrari
Audiophile

Posts: 640
Location: Southern California
Joined: March 16, 2001
 Well, from my perspective -- it wouldn't hurt!! I'm running four Silver Edition MA-1's.

Vbr,
Sam

 

RE: tube flare up, posted on February 29, 2016 at 10:36:17
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10912
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
 Did you see any blue in the flash of light, or was it pure red?
This is either a case where the tube momentarily lost bias and so started to draw too much current, in which case, it might also be dead now and you need to check the bias supply to that tube socket, or where the tube by itself arc'd over. I don't know why that happens with some tubes and not others, but it does. Ralph can take over from here. If it's arc-ing, you may still want to replace it.

You heard no loss of fidelity after the event or apparent loss of power on that side? Have you checked output tube bias, since the event? You may want to do that.

 

Tube arc, posted on February 29, 2016 at 11:59:26
Ralph
Manufacturer

Posts: 4778
Location: Minnesota
Joined: April 24, 2002
 Sounds like a tube arced. The question now is, is the tube still running and is it going to do it again?

Pull the tube from the socket and take a look at it, compare it to the link below.

If the links are still good the question is then- will it do it again? If its a Russian tube, probably not if its running OK now. If its a Chinese tube, its likely to do it again.

So: replace the tube if the links are blown or if it is a Chinese power tube. If you have any questions just give me a holler.

 

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