Tubes Asylum

• RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... - Caucasian Blackplate 09:20:24 08/25/15 (0)
  In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 12:05:48

  Have the socket changed. If you post where you live, there may be some recommendations on local techs to help you out.
  

  ---
• Update...bent the pins of all 4 of the EL84's and so... - popsy 13:53:34 08/22/15 (1)
  In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 12:05:48

  far all is good. Let's hope it stays that way!
  
  Many many thanks to those who gave thoughts and ideas and also to the realization that I probably need to stick with SS stuff but when these tubes work right the sound is certainly sweet !
  

  ---

  • RE: Update...bent the pins of all 4 of the EL84's and so... - xti16 05:46:01 08/23/15 (0)
    In Reply to: RE: Update...bent the pins of all 4 of the EL84's and so... posted by popsy on August 22, 2015 at 13:53:34

    Another beauty of tubes should you change sources or more importantly speakers you can modify the sound by swapping tubes. With SS you're stuck with that sound unless you start swapping cables to 'tweak' the sound.
    
    I'm pretty sure loose pins was the problem. I had the same problem and it was the pin for the grid that was loose causing the tube to saturate and blow.
    

    ---
• RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... - xti16 09:39:17 08/22/15 (2)
  In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 12:05:48

  Loose pins in that socket sounds like the problem. Not too hard to tighten up the pins with a small pick or screwdriver. But be very aware there are some pretty high voltages present. You need to first make sure there is no voltage on the pins. It's a simple fix but if you are afraid let someone who knows electronics do it for you. Or they could replace the socket itself.
  

  ---

  • How do you tighten up the pins?. - popsy 10:29:59 08/22/15 (1)
    In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by xti16 on August 22, 2015 at 09:39:17

    n/t
    

    ---

    • --sigh---sorry, pretty stupid of me eh? - popsy 13:35:14 08/22/15 (0)
      In Reply to: RE: How do you tighten up the pins?. posted by popsy on August 22, 2015 at 10:29:59

      bend the pins out a bit...:) duh
      

      ---
• "it was purchased last week from the builder " then sold - Chip647 05:04:16 08/22/15 (1)
  In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 12:05:48

  I will be willing to reckon that the dude you bought it from had the issue too. Ship it back to him and get your $450 back,
  

  ---

  • yeah, that should have been a red flag to me eh? - popsy 10:39:13 08/22/15 (0)
    In Reply to: RE: "it was purchased last week from the builder " then sold posted by Chip647 on August 22, 2015 at 05:04:16

    Well, I have tried a few things underneath the chassis so to speak so will fire it up again with a cheap el84 I found and see what happens. No more frying my Mullard ones! Sigh, not much plug and play I guess with tube amps :)
    

    ---
• pics - popsy 17:32:53 08/21/15 (4)
  In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 12:05:48

  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  

  
  Here are 3 pics...the "bad"socket is in the bottom left of each of the 3 pics...thoughts??
  

  ---

  • RE: pics - DAK 19:10:26 08/21/15 (3)
    In Reply to: RE: pics posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 17:32:53

    I would suggest you measure the voltage on the power tube side of the coupling cap. it should be around 0 . If it ain't you should change out your coupling caps. good luck, Dak
    

    ---

    • That sounds good but no measuring device :) - popsy 19:13:26 08/21/15 (2)
      In Reply to: RE: pics posted by DAK on August 21, 2015 at 19:10:26

      N/t
      

      ---

      • RE: Time to buy a DMM. even a cheap one worx ok. nt - DAK 19:21:24 08/21/15 (1)
        In Reply to: RE: That sounds good but no measuring device :) posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 19:13:26

        digital multi meter
        

        ---

        Edits: 08/21/15

        • RE: Time to buy a DMM. even a cheap one worx ok. nt - Dingojazz 07:40:27 08/22/15 (0)
          In Reply to: RE: Time to buy a DMM. even a cheap one worx ok. nt posted by DAK on August 21, 2015 at 19:21:24

          Home depot is your friend. Not hard to learn to use, and essential for troubleshooting.
          
          Cheers,
          
          K.
          

          ---
• I experienced the same thing once - E-Stat 14:32:54 08/21/15 (0)
  In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 12:05:48

  with one of my VTL MB450s. Put in another tube (an old spare) and the tube immediately went supernova and inhaled the fuse.
  
  With Bea Lamm's help, I identified the issue as that tube's coupling capacitor had failed.
  
  She quickly sent me a replacement complete with pre-bent legs perfectly set for the board. :)
  

  ---
• RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... - Blackdog 13:09:11 08/21/15 (0)
  In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 12:05:48

  Given that it was a more or less DIY job of unknown build you could be looking at bad connections, cheap failed parts or just plain bad design/build. Chances are there is a bad solder connection on that one socket.
  Should you choose to open it up - make sure the power is drained off. Potentially lethal voltages are inside.
  You should be able to see bad connections.
  
  
  Dan Santoni
  
  
  

  ---
• RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... - Dingojazz 12:40:42 08/21/15 (1)
  In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by popsy on August 21, 2015 at 12:05:48

  Type, age and condition of amp may be of benefit here.
  
  Cheers,
  
  K.
  

  ---

  • It was this one.... - popsy 12:47:14 08/21/15 (0)
    In Reply to: RE: Same tube location keeps popping and blowing... posted by Dingojazz on August 21, 2015 at 12:40:42

    see link

    • http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Amplifier-Tube/H   (Open in New Window)

    
    

    ---

Post a Followup:

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Sonic Craft

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---