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Microphonic from Vacuum Tubes?

HI,  I have a question regarding microphonic from vacuum tube.  I have a Cary SLP-05, and I've changed the output gain tubes to some NOS RCA, and also recently purchased a pair of Linlai for the balanced buffer stage.

I now occasionally hear a loud pop in the music.   It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it is quite loud.   This happens when I am streaming digital music, so it can't be those occasional pops you hear from vinyl.  

Can someone tell me if this loud pop possibly caused by microphonic in my tubes?  if so, how do I track down which tubes?   My guess there is no easy way but change one tube at a a time, which can be extremely time consuming.   Also I don't own a tube tester.  I wonder that would help tracking it down.

Also I read something about vacuum tube damper rings,  would that help calming down possible microphonic?

I still  consider myself a newbie in tubes,  so any hep will be appreciated.  Thanks very much.

xcool

Showing 1 response by dekay

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,705 posts
 

I would start by pulling and reseating all the tubes (rectifier included) when the amp/tubes are cold.

If the popping persists replace the new tubes with the old ones.

If there is no popping after this systematically swap in the new tubes one @ a time.

Aside from a bad tube poor pin/socket contact can cause the noise you describe.

This will take time, but it's easy.

 

DeKay

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