2. amps-preamps
  3. 180385-144981

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.

128x128xcool
invalid
1,180 posts
 

It does it consistently, I believe it's my bluesound node 2 when using the digital output. 

durte30
17 posts
 

How many hours are on the Linlai tubes? If they are brand new they might need more time to settle in. My Psvane 845 and 300b tubes came with a card in the box saying they could need up to 150hrs until they are fully broken in. I did get some infrequent “odd” noises from the speakers for the first 50hrs or so after installing them but it’s been smooth sailing since then. The noises I was getting were the occasional crackle or ringing sound but never a loud pop that made me think my amp might be in danger. 

cub
4 posts
 

I might have missed your source, but if you are playing vinyl I believe the problem is static electricity. I have similar issue with my Manley chinook. 

xcool's avatar
xcool OP
273 posts
 

@durte30,  I think I've got about 120 hrs on the Linlai at this point.

@cub,  this only happens from my digital source, i.e. my streamer.

ghdprentice
6,945 posts
 

Tube dampeners come on all of my Audio Research components small tubes, as the did on my Sonic Frontiers components. 
 

Pops, maybe tubes or capacitors. Tubes most likely.

More to discover