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Is this just a nasty coincidence or should I go back to solid state?Dead component #1: A few months ago my second-hand Conrad Johnson PV8 (which was upgraded by Bill Thalman before I bought it) developed a low level hum which would not go away. All tubes checked out fine, hum was intermittent and not affected by any knobs, definitely isolated the problem to the PV8. Then a few days ago, it started frying fuses. I'd put a new one in and the minute I turned it on, the fuse would blow.
Dead component #2: I decided to try some new EL34s in my second-hand Conrad Johnson MV52 which started life as an MV50 and was upgraded by CJ. Tried Sovteks, Golden Dragons and Svetlanas. Was looking for more detail and dynamics, dealer recommended Electroharmonix. When I went to put them in, I noticed that one of the Svetlanas wouldn't bias so I tried the Sovteks which were fine. Turned all the bias screws to their minimum settings, put in the EHs, before I could do anything the tube in the same position started glowing extremely brightly, then started smoking, heard a crackle and pop from my speakers before i could shut it down and found the fuse for that channel was gone.
What's the deal???!!! Do I have bad tube karma? I bought them from different people about 9 months ago. Both components died within a few days of each other but my NAD separates are working fine plugged into the same outlet. At least I have a backup but I am extremely frustrated to say the least with my tube gear. there's a guy locally who can troubleshoot them but he needs schematics. I'd rather not have to send them from Tucson to the East Coast.
Follow Ups:
Surely CJ would most likely send your the schematics through email with quick response.Yet I'll have reservation for sending the amps back to CJ for service. I have a setup with both pre-owned CJ preamp and power amp. Both developed certain problems over this past 2 years. The power amp had a similar recurring problem of power tube thermal runaway.
To make a long story short, CJ took an extended wait period, up to 8 weeks, to look at the amp. Whether they could fix the problem is no guarantee. My Premier Two had been back 3 times and the power amp twice. My gut feeling is the same guy who worked on my two amps don't seem to have the mind on the service job. Probably he outright didn't, or still doesn't, want to do that to start with. You may have the picture how well a job would be done in that situation.
If Bill Thalmann of Music Technology did the upgrade with your PV8, check back with him on both. I found him to be much more responsive, faster turnaround, and able to fix the problem.
Actually, Bill Thalman modified the PV8 a couple of years before I bought it. I just called him and he sent me the schematics. What a guy! If my local guy can't handle it (I'm in Tucson) I'll send them to Bill.
I needed a schematic for a CJ pv2a....I emailed and called CJ and ask if they could help....bingo, got one via email the same day.
They where very helpful. Try them (CJ)...you never know.
Sorry to hear about your trouble.
Good Luck
music has the power to make you happy
Thanks. I'll give them a call.
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