2. amps-preamps
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Tube amplifier bad caps

Hey,

My integrated tube amp has been experiencing the symptoms of bad filter capacitors. Crackling in my amp is so bad on both channels that I'm afraid ALL of the filter caps will have to be replaced. Tube swapping and tightening the socket pins has had no effect so I'm lead to believe bad caps are the problem.
A pic similiar to the inside of my amp can be found here. Are the can caps or the axial caps what I should be looking at replacing? I'm confident I can do the repairs myself (purchasing caps, discharging old caps, soldering, etc.) since I'm afraid of what the price tag might be for such a repair by a professional repair shop.
hitman_hifi

Showing 1 response by bicycle_man

bicycle_man
100 posts
 
You have probably NOT ruined the tubes because of this, unless one of the conditions below occurs. If your tubes are driven into oscillation over an extended period, then I would worry. Also, if your tube bias circuit goes bad somewhere and the tubes glow red-hot for an extended period, I would worry then, too. I am not sure if this is comprehensive, perhaps someone else may add to this. As far as my experience and my father's advice to me on a problem with my amp goes, this about covers it. He is a retired EE professor by the way.
Are your tubes glowing red-hot, or noticeably brighter than usual? If so, and you let them run this way for a while, get them tested. Otherwise, see how they sound after you have fixed the crackling problem. They should be fine.
Good luck with your amp!
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