First thing, replace the tube with another which seems quite likely based on what you are hearing. Tubes can get noisy over time. I do believe the Paradesea uses the same buffer tube as the Havana 5670, 2C51, 396A type. |
is there a wary to test a tube? Should i just buy a really cheap tube to see if it works first? |
The ideal is to find a tube that has been reliably tested. You shouldn't have to spend too much for one of the above tubes. |
If you post your location, there might be a member nearby w a tester. I'm in the Hartford CT area and might be able to help if you are near there. |
Most likely the 5670 tube. Always good to have a spare to test with when needed.
paradisea sound changes radically with different tubes so tube rolling with paradisea is a worthwhile exercise in of itself. |
Sounds like fun. Good to see you guys all on here after so long of an absence. I remember you guys when I was into this in the early 2000s .i've got little kids now so there's always a possibility to that they spilled something into it that's why I'm a little nervous. Maybe if you guys have a tester I can mail this one to you and just tell me if it's good or bad before I buy a $75 tube! |
Why would you sweat a 75.00 tube? Even if it's not the problem, if you keep the DAC you will eventually need to replace it.
BTW, have owned the Havana for ~3.5 yrs. and have replaced the tube once already. It is an excellent sounding DAC.
Shakey |
I'll check to see if I have settings for the tube and will pm if I do. |
Streetdaddy
The problem with a noisy tube is that it may test well but still be noisy. I have a Hickock tube tester. While it performs several important tests it doesn't test for noise. Buying from a reliable tube vendor, Andy of Vintage Tube Services immediately comes to mind, is a good way to go if you call him and talk to him and tell him what's going on. In addition to being a tube merchant he is extremely knowledgable in general and can possibly give you greater insight into other possible causes and the MOST probable cause. If you are on a budget and just want to get the unit up and running the FIRST thing I would do is to buy a CHEAP reliably tested tube from a guy like Andy to see if it IS the tube. After the problem is resolved THEN you can consider different tubes which DO make a difference in the MHDT DACs. Hope this helps you going forward. |
Ok, called Andy at tube services. He said if the tube is fully lighting up it's not the tube. So, i took it up and sure enough the tube is lighting up. Looks like it is something else. Will look into either repairing it or replacing. Thanks for the info guys! |
I am really questioning what he told you. Just because a tube is lighting up doesn't mean it isn't introducing noise. I KNOW this is true because I've experienced this myself, several times. I trust Andy completely but I am at a loss as to why he told you this where in several of my experiences it just ain't so. I would try another tube. It MAY not be the tube but at least you could eliminate the doubt one way or another. |
You can buy a 5670 at the tube depot.com for $4.95 NOS I kid you not. |
Update.. So i trucked it back to the system and fired it up... Tube lit up fine... Then i saw little light emissions over by the on/off switch....so... I have an email into us distributor for repair/trade in... Might not be worth repairing it.. Will see how much it costs. |
Keep us posted Streetdaddy. |
Mechans,
Great find! For under $8 shipped i will be able to see if it's a tube issue. Will post back when i get it. |
Send me your address and I will mail you a tube. |
Thanks for the offer. I already ordered a tube from tube depot. You guys are so kind. |
"I am really questioning what he told you. Just because a tube is lighting up doesn't mean it isn't introducing noise."
I agree with this. A tube is NOT like an incandescent light bulb. Bad output tubes will continue to glow. That tells you nothing at all.
Shakey |
Bbroussard, that was VERY kind of you to offer the OP a tube for free!! It's guys like you who make me proud of having this hobby!!
-RW- |
Just trying to help a fellow tube junkie. ;~) |
