2359glenn | studio - Page 15

Dispatcher: "May I have your attention please... We have a Code Black!... Code Black! Please report to your stations immediately!"

The listening room has fallen silent - fade to black. Just moments earlier, I began warming up the system and within the first three minutes, loud crackling noises emerged from my cans... both cups! Yes, high anxiety while shutting it down. I inspected all cable connections and then lifting and reinserting all tubes back into their sockets. A few minutes after powering up, the same thing.

I had the same experience last night - it was a first. But after removing and reinserting the tubes, everything returned to normal. I'm all set to try out my new Maple platform under both the music server and then the amp for some first impressions. Will post early pix later tonight, as I ordered two actually, but only one shipped for the time being. What I do know at this time is that both the rectifier socket and the left power tube socket arrived very loose; other side and 6SN7 sockets are tight. Also got a screw rolling around the bottom of the chassis . Better buy a set of small allen wrenches and drop the bottom and quick! 

Will try it again in 10...

Thanks for jumping in Xcalibur255; john57. Fortunate for me, Glenn instructed me on how to lower the bottom via bottom screws only last month. So, what happened last month?  Remember the aforementioned screw rolling around? It was during my spike-a-pades - broke every screw during removal 'cause I didn't know Glenn used a nut on the other side.

I lack the proper size allen wrench, so off to the store tomorrow! The amp's arrival was secure - well packed. The screw is on me.  Anyway, re-inserted all the tubes and everything is back to normal. Currently evaluating my single new platform with mixed results. Other configurations to try (many) by the weekend. This is the kind of thing that takes patience...

Will post a few pix before midnight. And again in 10 days when the other platform arrives... not unless I send 'em back first!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosgr63 

Good to know everything is OK.

 

SO do you use a tube tester to check the tubes before you use them?

 

Sometimes tubes can develop intermitent faults so make sure your tubes are safe to use.

 

I thought about getting a tube tester last year after fellow member shipsupt sat down and tested my tubes for me. No sooner than I saved up the money for one a dew months later, I used it to buy more tubes. I had to have the Tung-Sol BGRP's! Now we need to save up for a tester all over again (sigh). 

Anyone know the metric size for the allen wrench? I want to buy a single instead of a whole pack of wrenches. The other three screws broke off inside the hole. The one of concern came out but its counterpart is rolling around inside. Before I started, I just thought they were one-way screws...

I really am glad I bought this amp. I was at the crossroads - either the Woo was goin' to get "Hot-rodded" with Caps & stuff or I was goin' to get another amp. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by john57 

I would agree with Xcalibur255 that the shipping is rough. The amp weight and size just makes it perfect for the box to get ding up. Glenn uses allot of  Styrofoam tubes to keep the amp centered in the box and provide a bit of spring shock absorbing action as well. My box came back from Glenn with three big holes but the amp and tubes were safe. I send SO a PM how to  take the amp apart. Generally I wait 30 mins to make sure that the bleeder resistor has  drained  the high voltage from the caps before taking the amp apart. You remove the bottom two screws on the front and the back leaving the top screws alone and the case on the side will split apart. You need the right tools. I use a Trox bit. IF you have any questions or hesitation wait for Glenn help. My guess you have a nut loose and it is fairly cramed inside.

Good call, on suggesting I return to the 3DG4 until I straighten things out. The USAF-596 is a bit rare (understatement)! And yes, it is a nut - confirmed by raising; tilting the amp and hearing it roll, baby! Well, that certainly didn't last long... 30 minutes! I wanna swing, so back in goes the '596.'

Quote:

Originally Posted by john57 

Silent One

Regrading Allen wenches I would go to Walmart and look at the screwdriver sets with interchangeable tips and some have allen sizes available. It is usually more cost effective to buy a set rather just one. I also buy tools at Harbor Freight sometimes.

As a cyclist, I may get lucky and find a size in my bag that fits. I did look but could have easily overlooked it. Whenever I decide to get in there with the amp, it better be dead-n-cold, as opposed to Silent One! I hear these tube amps are no joking baby... lethal!

Now that the listening room is once again illuminated, thanks to Xcalibur255, john57 & rosgr63, how 'bout some photographs?

You and me both! The "To Do List" of tweaks gets shuffled often. musicman59 persuaded me to try some Deunde's last summer. Hmmm, I'll try ordering a few this Friday... unless I get cold feet. Are you featuring dampers on your tubes? It'd be great to see a shot of your rig, can you share a photo? Thanks!