2. amps-preamps
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Tube Amp "Ringing"

I have a Jolida SJ-502A tube intergrated amp and tonight I noticed a "ringing" sound coming from the amp. Didn't notice it when the music is playing, but when I changed my CDs and was close to the amp, noticed the ringing. Was curious on what it could be and how I can solve this problem. btw, I'm a "tube newbie", and help and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
cleaneduphippy

Showing 5 responses by cleaneduphippy

cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
Thanks guys,

I figured that it was "tube microphonics" but didn't know how to go about solving the problem short of buying new tubes. btw, found a site for HAL-O Vacuum Tube Dampers and was wondering if any of you have used these (or other brands for that matter) and what your thoughs are about these products in solving "tube microphonics". Guess damping my tubes might be my first "tweak".
cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
Newbee,

The ringing I hear is low level. Go back to my intial post and you'll see that I only heard this ringing when I "changed my CDs and was close to the amp". Certainly, I'll switch some tubes out and see it that solves the problem, but if it's just "low level ringing" then perhaps dampers might be the way to go. Basically at this point, I'm interested in what results people have had with dampers.
cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
Newbee,

Far as I can hear, the "ringing" is occuring at the amp and doesn't seem to be getting into the signal. I checked this out by turning the volume control up (slowly, of course) with nothing playing on my CDP, but with the CDP on, to see if any "ringing" was coming through my speakers. Didn't notice any. btw, where do you get the "simple rubber type rings that only cost a couple of bucks" as I'm somewhat of a believer in the KISS (Keeping It Simple) approach, along with keeping it inexpensive.
cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
My amp the 502 uses the 6550 (currently using Svetland) or can use KT88. The 302 on the other hand is the Jolida that uses the EL34. Currently, in the 12AT7 positions I'm using NOS RCA Black Plates and in the 12AX7 positions I'm using Sovtex. Maybe this afternoon, I'll try to pin point which tube(s) is the "ringer". btw, any good suggestion on some good "low noise" tubes? Brashgordon, thanks for the Telefunken suggestion. Was going to get a pair, but the dealer I usually buy from was out of them at the time.
cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
Tvad,

You answer my question, on just how to figure "which" tube is the "ringer", now to find a pencil with an eraser. The NOS RCAs are my "newer" tubes, but nevertheless we'll see what happens. One more thing, do you have a link for TVS? Might try giving Andy a call and see what he's got.

btw, to Everybody

Do appreciate all the info you're giving me. As I said I'm a "newbie" and still learning.
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