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RE: Tube Power Amp Not Working - Help?



Total silence would be the result, in theory. Suppose the rectifiers are blown OR that the B+ fuse is fried, there will be no voltage reaching the valve's plates, no draw, and no sound. So, the valves are effectively offline, regardless of whether heater's are a'glowin.

Another consideration that just occurred to me is the design of the 5AR4 itself. While all rectifiers have anodes (plates), the cathode design can vary. Some are have "filamentary" designs, so it's just a filament to source electrons for the anode. However, some have cathodes heated by the filament, instead. Your 5AR4 has a heater and a cathode, and these two parts are INTERNALLY CONNECTED TOGETHER. So, let's say your amp does NOT have a B+ fuse and there was a run away, a sudden rush could have caused an arc between the plate to the cathode of the rectifiers. The 5v filaments would have suddenly seen hundreds of volts, effectively overloading and killing the tubes.

And not to scare you, it could have damaged the 5V heater winding of the transformer... Tube rectified amps have 6.3v and 5v windings; the 6.3v for pre-amp and power amp tubes, and the 5v solely for rectifiers. If you replace the rectifiers, and they STILL don't turn on... I'd be very concerned as it may indicated the 5v winding has suffered an overload and burnt.

I found an interesting resource that may be of use to you. Check it out :)
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May your tubes be lively, warm, and long-lasting. Holy be thy heater.


Edits: 09/07/15
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