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Using contact cleaner in tube sockets

My ARC VT100mkii which I just got, has a crackling from one of the channels. The tubes are new. When I first installed the tubes, it was fine. The following morning, I powered it on, and the crackling started. I swapped tubes with the other side and it was fine for a while. This evening, it started again. Will using contact cleaner damage the sockets? It is quick drying cleaner.
sgonzalez33

Showing 2 responses by cleeds

cleeds
6,072 posts
 
jea48
As a rule retubing an amp should not require sending it back to the factory or to a qualified manufacture service center.
Neither of these is a requirement for the VT-100, so I'm not sure what your point is.

ARC should have made mentioned in the owner manual retubing the 6922 tubes required they would have to biased.
Again, an owner's manual is not a service manual. They are two different things.
cleeds
6,072 posts
 
jea48
I have always wondered why ARC neglected to mention in the owner manual that came with the VT50, VT100, Vt100 mkll, and VT200 that when replacing the small driver and input signal tubes they would need to be biased ... Biasing the 6922 tubes is not for the novice. Lethal DC voltage is present at points the multimeter probes will be connected.
An owner's manual and a service manual are two different things. As you note, biasing the 6922 tubes is not for a novice. The owner's manual does clearly state: "Refer servicing to your authorized Audio Research dealer or other qualified personnel."
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