Tube amp question

[james.fusco]

Hi there,

I've recently received my order of my very first tube amp (Peavey 6505+). Absolutely happy with the amp and what a sound!. Upon inspection while the amp is on I noticed that one of the power tubes is not as bright as the other 3. It has a duller glow, while the others shine bright. Should I be worried and have it looked at? Haven't a clue, please help

Thanks

 

[sixstringsamurai333]

Re: Tube amp question

Possibly. If you're not that familiar with tube amps, best take it to a tech or a shop to get their hands-on opinoin in real life, rather than try to self-diagnose over the internet.

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: Tube amp question

If its new just take it back to the store where you got it.

Most likely it's just a valve thats pulling less current than the other 3 which could create some nasty artifacts such as crossover distortion but the 6505 is already biased pretty cool so it's something you may not notice.

But saying that if it's new it's something that you shouldn't put up with.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Tube amp question

Wow, I must be horrible. I honestly to not notice or care about stuff like that. So long as it's not affecting the tone, who cares?!

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: Tube amp question

Wow, I must be horrible. I honestly to not notice or care about stuff like that. So long as it's not affecting the tone, who cares?!

In a lot of cases it is affecting the tone. Whether it is negative or not to the user is another thing. But generally in situations like this amps do sound better once it's set up correctly.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Tube amp question

In a lot of cases it is affecting the tone. Whether it is negative or not to the user is another thing. But generally in situations like this amps do sound better once it's set up correctly.

But that takes work!

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: Tube amp question

Not much in most cases. If this amp is new it just takes returning it. And often the difference is significant depending on the amp.

 

[trevorus]

Re: Tube amp question

Have it looked at, could be quite a few things. By glue, do you mean that blue hue on the glass? Or do you mean the orange glow in the middle?

 

[james.fusco]

Re: Tube amp question

Have it looked at, could be quite a few things. By glue, do you mean that blue hue on the glass? Or do you mean the orange glow in the middle?

It's the orange glow at the top of the tube. It just looks a tad dull. The head was bought online and mail ordered, instead of returning it by post and save a hassle with packaging would my warranty cover, cover them to send a new tube out?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tube amp question

The first thing I'd do is swap the dim tube with a bright one, and see if it's the tube socket that's weak or the tube itself.

If the dim tube stays dim in another position, Email Peavey customer service and tell them one of the tubes died the first day you owned it, and see if they send you one or four power tubes.

If that particular socket always yields a dim tube, exchange the amp.

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Tube amp question

The first thing I'd do is swap the dim tube with a bright one, and see if it's the tube socket that's weak or the tube itself.

If the dim tube stays dim in another position, Email Peavey customer service and tell them one of the tubes died the first day you owned it, and see if they send you one or four power tubes.

If that particular socket always yields a dim tube, exchange the amp.

I would give this a try.
You are most likely looking at the heaters.
In theory, 4 new tubes of the same make, you would think the heaters would look very similar, but not necessarily.
After you perform the simple test described by the previous poster.....give PV a shout and ask them about the results.
best

 

[Bludave]

Re: Tube amp question

Where did you buy it? Is it new? If so bring it back and point out your concerns and let them address it. By all means kept your hands out of it if you don't know what your doing!