2. amps-preamps
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Is rectifier tube arcing a problem?

I did some research and couldn’t find a definite answer.  I have an amp that I tried 6 different pairs of 5U4G and 5U4GB. 3 pairs has arcing (RCA 5U4G, TungSol, Svetlana 5C3S) and 3 pairs don’t (RCA 5U4G with hanging filament, EH 5U4GB, Sylvania 5931).  I took the amp to a technician and he checked everything, he can’t find anything wrong.  The problem is, I like the sound of the TungSol and Svetlana which both have arcing.  The technician said it is ok to keep using them, but honestly I am not too comfortable.  But I like their sound.  Is it really ok to keep using the arcing tubes?  Will it damage the amp?

 

 

gte357s

Showing 1 response by noske

noske
783 posts
 

Check with your manufacturer exactly which type of rectifier you amp is designed for.

Brands don’t matter.

Maybe you have a manual?

The technician said that its OK to continue using rectifiers that are arcing? Is this the wild west?

Throw those tubes out and get new ones of the specified type, and if it keeps arcing what would your own assessment be?

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