Crackle from tube preamp


Hello. Need troubleshooting advice. I have noticed a faint intermittant crackling/popping noise coming from mostly one channel through the speakers at 18 inches away or closer but sometimes the other speaker too. The unit seems to exibit a fair bit of hiss anyways. It is evident a low volume and pronounced slightly with increasing the volume. I have switched several types of tubes now and thought originally that a tube was bad. It is definately coming from the preamp as when the source (also tube) is unplugged, the noise is evident at varying intervals. It diminishes a bit when the unit is warmed up over a period of time. The music is not affected or "broken up" on playback. I would expect to hear a slight constant hiss from both channels with proper function ni a tube preamp. Might it be the fuse at the back? Maybe a capacitor? Tube sockets? Not into the guts of units, just like clean, nice sounding music. If it sounds familiar, can you make some suggestions? The unit goes through an Audioprism power conditioner at the moment, along with several other components. We live rurally. THanks. Dave
canucks0
sounds like a tube. unplug the unit. swap the left and right channel tubes. If the crackling sound moves, you know it's in one of those tubes. Then, unplug it again, start substititing tubes in that offending channel until you find the one thats making the noise, replace it!

If it's something else, like a cap...the noise won't change channels...
Do you have SS amp?

If you do and after tube swapping or replacements the problem's still percists, measure DC Voltage at binding posts of amp or speakers(have speakers connected) while the unit is off.
If the level is larger than 100mV, contact manufacturer. If you're DIY than probably output caps are at fault.
You don't say if your preamp is vintage or not. Other possibilities include dirty tube socket(s) or older carbon comp resistors headed south.

Steve