Is this an issue with my tubes? Speakers? Something else?

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

So my Super Reverb RI had started making some low growling (similar to crackly distortion) when I turn the volume past 3 or 4. It's not the natural tube distortion, but I'm only getting it at the higher volumes. Is this a sign that one of my tubes is dying? I don't think it's a speaker thing, since I don't hear the crackling all the time.

- Keith

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: Is this an issue with my tubes? Speakers? Something else?

I would look at the preamp tubes. Had something similar on my jet city and 1 of the preamp tubes was the culprit.

 

[cakire82]

Re: Is this an issue with my tubes? Speakers? Something else?

98% it is the tubes. I can not be sure if it the power or the preamp since I am not very familiar with that amp.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Is this an issue with my tubes? Speakers? Something else?

So my Super Reverb RI had started making some low growling (similar to crackly distortion) when I turn the volume past 3 or 4. It's not the natural tube distortion, but I'm only getting it at the higher volumes. Is this a sign that one of my tubes is dying? I don't think it's a speaker thing, since I don't hear the crackling all the time.

- Keith

Same thing happened to me with my '96 HRDv. In my case, it was a 6L6 that had reached the end of it's service life.

 

[glassman]

Re: Is this an issue with my tubes? Speakers? Something else?

Same thing happened to me with my '96 HRDv. In my case, it was a 6L6 that had reached the end of it's service life.

Thats what I'm thinking too.

Tap on the power tubes with the amp on; if you hear more than a stacatto "tink" that tube may be going microphonic. The worst case I've seen was one that when tapped, sounded like a bowling ball in a metal trash can.

 

[Khriss Bliss]

Re: Is this an issue with my tubes? Speakers? Something else?

Wikkid bummah. I had a crackling noise too, even when guitar wasn't plugged in. Went away with new tubes ( old ones were ten yrs old). I can lend you some if it helps you diagnose...