Noise from Left Channel


I noticed last night that there is some noise or low level hissing coming from the left channel mainly the tweeter. I am wondering if it is a tube from either the CD player or preamp. Both of them are Jolida. I seriously doubt it is the amp because all of the caps were replaced just a few months ago and thoroughly gone thru with a fine tooth comb. Guess I am asking what happens when a tube starts to go? Thanks in advance.
samzx12

Showing 1 response by mlsstl

A standard method to find out if a tube is at fault is to switch the tubes in the left channel to the right and vice versa. If the noise switches sides then you know it is probably time for some new tubes.

Two caveats. First, sometimes the noise is present because the tube is seated poorly or some pins have some corrosion. Removing the tube and reseating should cure this problem. The second caveat is only work on one device and one pair of tubes at a time. If you change too much at once you won't know which exact component is involved.

If the noise does not switch sides or disappear, then you know it is not the tubes.

Keep in mind that just because the amp was serviced recently does not preclude the caps or any other part. No matter how tight their quality control, every manufacturer will have a few parts that seem to pass but contain a defect just underneath the surface and fail sooner than they should.