dying tubes?

[ex-250]

what are some signs that yer poweramp tubes are on their way out? im pretty sure mine are, but i need some confirmation

 

[59paul]

Re: dying tubes?

A sag in power, amp lacks punch, loss of volume,....kinda like your amp has the Flu.

 

[ex-250]

Re: dying tubes?

yeah its sounding weaker, more trebly kinda (dunno if thats a sign), and just.....off. so once i get some money i gotta figure out if i wanna get new 6L6's or switch over to EL34's since XXXs can run on either without a rebias

 

[59paul]

Re: dying tubes?

Might be a good idea to go ahead and get new pre-amp tubes, while you're at it.

 

[ex-250]

Re: dying tubes?

yeah i still got the stock ones in there too

 

[59paul]

Re: dying tubes?

Just make sure ya buy MATCHED Power amp Tubes. ....

 

[ex-250]

Re: dying tubes?

ok.....whats that mean

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: dying tubes?

Power Tubes are matched in quads and pairs. Make sure you have a properly matched set, IE you buy them in the same package. I say pick up some JJ/Tesla 6L6's from http://www.revolutionguitar.com/ . Best prices, fast as hell shipping. You probably should go with JJ/Tesla 12AX7 preamp tubes as well, but I found they clean up an amp, so maybe the EH 12AX7's would be more of your thing.

 

[59paul]

Re: dying tubes?

I personally use the Svetlana " Winged C " Power tubes, and JJ 12ax7's. If your amp takes 4 power tubes, you'll want a matched quartet ( or quad ), If it takes 2, you'll need a matched duet. Generally, amps under 100 watts take a duet, amps 100 watts or more take a quartet. You don't need to worry about matched pre-amp tubes. Here's a tip > Don't buy Chinese tubes. Buy tubes made in Europe. Stick with a quality brand, such as Svetlana, JJ/Tesla, EH, etc... and you'll be fine.

 

[59paul]

Re: dying tubes?

And Yes, Todd at Revolutionguitar.com is a great guy to buy tubes from. I buy all of mine from him. ....

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: dying tubes?

Do power tubes turn to a orange color when they start to die. I've read that blue is what you want and that an amber/orange color means it's the end. Is this right?

 

[ex-250]

Re: dying tubes?

well right now mine is really faintly blue with a good amount of orange....so im guessin theyre dying

 

[59paul]

Re: dying tubes?

Power tubes should glow a pretty orange. If they are blue, your amp isn't running hot enough. Usually won't hurt anything, ya just won't get optimum power and tone. If they are RED, your Bias is too hot !!!! RED = shut off amp immediately, and see a tech to get the amp Biased properly !!!! Orange is what yer after, but even weak or dying tubes will still glow orange.