2. amps-preamps
  3. 1208404875

Tube smell?

Some 5687 tubes I just installed have a mild but definite
burning-rubber odor. It's not extreme, but it is there
if you sniff around them (and I can also detect it around
the room). Has anyone ever had this? Could it be something
oxidizing because they are newly installed?

It's a bit hard to tell, but it seems to be all 4 of them,
not just one.

The tubes work fine, but look brighter than
my old cheaper 5687s. They sound absolutely great,
nice and smooth and mellow.

It's not the amp, as the old tubes don't smell.

Thanks for any help.
rgs92

Showing 4 responses by rgs92

rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Thanks everyone. The aroma has been reduced significantly
after about 8 hours of use, but is still present near the amp.
It is definitely the tubes, not the amp, as the tubes
are fully exposed atop the amp, and the original Phillips
tubes had no smell at all, even close up. These are
Tung-Sols. Yeah, I guess I'm with Pbb's comments above,
and I'll need to learn to love it. Boy, these TungSols
sound amazing--mellow and smooth but soooo non fatiguing,
really magic.
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Hey Atmasphere--Thanks!! I rubbed them with
a damp tissue and it actually worked! There is
now only the slightest aroma very close up.
It may have been just one of the four, but
I cleaned them all. I really appreciate your help.
Now my wife won't complain.
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Thanks again everyone.
The smell is gone.
(Was that a BB King Song?...)
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
The aroma disappeard after a day or two.
Thanks for everyone's help.
'love those Mullards!
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