2. amps-preamps
  3. 181565-1578

Hybrid Tube Preamp - Loud Pops and Crackles

My stalwart VTL 7.5 iii pre is broadcasting loud pops and crackles through my speakers, scaring me about damage to the speakers. First, I thought my aged 12au7 NOS 7316's tubes were dying, so I replaced them with NOS Amperex Bugle Boys. The pre started with the loud pops and crackles again.

Are both of these tubes dying, or is the problem with the pre itself? Any thoughts? Thank you. Neal

nglazer

Showing 1 response by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,468 posts
 

Personally I would order a pair of JJ 12au7 from somewhere like Tube Depot.  Pay a few dollars for matched tubes plus screened for noise and you will either solve the problem or at least be sure it’s not the tubes.   
 

Could be loose tube sockets.  You can gently re-tension them and sometimes that solves the problem.  
 

Good luck 

More to discover