No, the problem then was bad PRP resistors in the ARC Ref 110 amp. ARC used a different kind of resistor at one time and then switched to a different style. I sent the amp into them and they fixed that problem and gave it a full check up. That is why I state in my post that I don't think the amp is causing the problem. I talked to Leonard before this amp problem (I thought maybe the 6550c in the REF 3 was bad and causing that problem) and he told me the 6550c should last up until 3000 hrs. I saved the old one so maybe I will try using it again and see if the problem goes away. They warrant their tubes for only 90 days so I would be out $100 if my new 6550c tube was the problem.
ARC Ref 3 bad tube?
I recently have developed a nasty sounding sporadic crackling sound in my system. It only happens once during each listening session. The crackling also comes out of both speakers in stereo. I have an ARC Ref 3 preamp and an Arc Ref 110 amp. I believe I have a bad tube but would like some opinions to make sure. I had my amp serviced in September 2009 by Arc so I don't think there is a problem there. The tubes in the amp have 1300 hours on them. The Ref 3 has 2500 hours on it. I replaced the four rear tubes at 850 hours with 6h30p-dr super tubes. The 6h30p tube under the 6550c power tube is orginal however. I replaced the 6550c tube in the preamp at 2200 hours. This is what I think is possibly wrong.
1.) The original 6h30p tube could be bad since it must get pretty hot from the 6550c tube above it.
2.) I noticed the 6550c tube has a strange looking white residue sticking to the inside of the glass. It almost looks like fine particles resembling styrofoam. That doesn't seem right to me.
I think it would be one of these two tubes since I get the bad crackling sound in stereo and not just one channel.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
1.) The original 6h30p tube could be bad since it must get pretty hot from the 6550c tube above it.
2.) I noticed the 6550c tube has a strange looking white residue sticking to the inside of the glass. It almost looks like fine particles resembling styrofoam. That doesn't seem right to me.
I think it would be one of these two tubes since I get the bad crackling sound in stereo and not just one channel.
Thanks in advance for any advice.