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Post by Chris on Oct 16, 2014 6:59:12 GMT
Bit annoying but one of a quad of my BTs has developed a rather annoying ringing noise that persists. No big deal as I have Siemens EL34s to replace them(and a quad of SEDs) but a couple of questions......
1 - Do I have to replace the entire quad,2 valves or just the ringing one?
2 - Is this just an age thing? I have had them a while,maybe 2 years.
3 - Is it worth trying them in another amp in case it's just mine?
To be honest I can't see myself replacing them unless it's a single I need,I've plenty valves kicking about so can't really justify more but Iam quite interested to hear what needs doing.
As always, time and help is much appreciated.
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Post by ChrisB on Oct 16, 2014 7:29:27 GMT
Chris, I think, ideally a pair should be matched so you ought to buy two. Perhaps you should stick the Siemens ones in and have the 4 you have in the amp now tested properly - that way you might have a better idea of how the others are fairing. As for testing them in another amp, no offence, but I don't think I'd want to put one of your valves in my Radford if it's known to be dodgy! You could probably expect the same sort of response from any other valve amp owner. Get 'em properly tested, that way you can be sure what you're up against.
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Post by gazjam on Oct 16, 2014 8:52:10 GMT
Chris, Few thoughts I had? Might be worth trying the offending tube in another socket to make doubly sure its actually the valve? Could it be the connection between valve pins and socket need a clean? Just "dry wipe" it, power off and plug the valve in and out a few times. Does your amp have individual adjustable pots for biasing the valves? If so then I'd say you dont need a matched Quad as you can match bias of each valve manually. As Chris says though, ideally a matched pair and it shouldn't be that spendy getting those. But then audiophile OCD kicks in...two "old" valves with two new ones..dammit!  |
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Post by Chris on Oct 16, 2014 9:29:24 GMT
Cheers gents. Tried shifting it around the bases a bit and that shut it up before but not now. Cleaned it with emery paper and contact cleaner and cleaned the bases with contact cleaner and cotton buds. Still the same damn ringing.
Think I'm just going to stick with the EL34s the now and be happy. They still sound VERY good I have to say but having 3 decent valves sitting there useless is annoying!
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