[SptsNaz]

in solder issues, I do not j

What I would do is throughly clean the tube socket then replace the solder inside each tube pin. I have repaired several power tubes doing that. It is especially bad on Russian tubes but I have fixed Tung Sol 5998’s doing that. I then run them in a tube tester or a cheaper amp.

If you like I could examine the tube and replace the solder in the pins at no charge. PM me if you need my help, I can give you a list of folks here who would vouch for me. I run those tubes in amps I designed so even it it damaged one of mine I could repair it.

As people are mentioning, it is most likely the tube. However you need to be sure, right? Get the cheapest stock 6080 tube you can get, which should run you only a dollar or two to test the amp. If you try this new tube and have the same issue with only one side working there is potentially a problem with the heater wiring, in which case you'll need to identify what and where.

If the new tube works fine it would seem to be an issue with your 5998. Before scrapping the expensive tube I'd take @Paladin79 up on his offer and see if he can help you get it working again. I'd do these things before buying a new 5998.

5998’s have been known to have pin solder issues, I do not just reflow the old solder, I remove it and replace it with silver solder after using rosin flux to thoroughly clean the inside of the pin. @DenverW is absolutely correct about making sure the tube is the culprit.
This is an octal ready for new solder.

Probably too soon to make any proclamations, but my Tung Sol has been glowing steadily for about an hour now after I re-soldered all of the pins

You guys are seriously awesome! I didn't even know there was solder at the bottom of tubes and I've had a ton of equipment with tubes over the years. Needless to say, I know how I'll be spending my evening...

 

[DenverW]

Better the tube than the heater . Hope it continues to work well for you.

 

[Paladin79]

Better the tube than the heater . Hope it continues to work well for you.

? The most logical solution was the tube and poor solder on the pins,

 

[Galapac]

Yes and as others have stated many old Russian tubes (Melz/Foton, etc.) have this issue as well as many Tung-Sols for some reason.
I have never had to resolder an RCA or Sylvania in my experience.

 

[HTSkywalker]

I have a Violectric HPA V100 which is an excellent all around headphone amplifier. It has more than enough power for most
headphones and is built like a tank.

Mine is the V90, a real German Panzer indeed with toroidal transformer and an independent-channel. I mostly use it to drive my Ananda as tube amps and Planar Magnetic cans don't mix well.

 

[HTSkywalker]

I did well with my amps as well as mini-radial speakers.
I have no money in audio gear or tubes, it was all paid for by my efforts.

BTW and talking about efforts, where the H%#@ is @bcowen ???
Seems still enjoying his summer vacation abroad

 

[Paladin79]

BTW and talking about efforts, where the H%#@ is @bcowen ???
Seems still enjoying his summer vacation abroad

I see him on the main Schiit thread, he had been busy for a week or so.

 

[Paladin79]

Yes and as others have stated many old Russian tubes (Melz/Foton, etc.) have this issue as well as many Tung-Sols for some reason.
I have never had to resolder an RCA or Sylvania in my experience.

I have also repaired a GEC or two as well as Svetlana winged C’s. I have never had issues with RCA’s or Sylvanias myself. Once I figured out the Melz and Foton issues I must have fixed over 100 for other people. I also repaired some GE 5998A’s for others. The Tung Sol is probably safe to reflow the solder in. I do not do that with Russian solder. My Melz collection is worth about $14k by todays rates so I want them to last a long time. I only use Kester silver solder.

 

[dstarr3]

Mine is dead silent with the tubes provided by Bottlehead, but I've gone through probably three or four RCA black plates by now and every single one has exhibited a little bit of hum on the right side. It's very faint, but still noticeable during silent parts of songs with my HD6XX, being only 250ohms. My Sextett and DT880, both of which are 600ohms, can't hear it. I don't know if this is just a common problem with RCA tubes or if I've just had extremely bad luck or what. But I've tried every combination of all my tubes, and the only time I get the right side hum is when I have an RCA black plate installed.

 

[LobalWarming]

BTW and talking about efforts, where the H%#@ is @bcowen ???
Seems still enjoying his summer vacation abroad

Yes, he could be... but his fellow passengers... not so much

 

[jonathan c]

Yes, he could be... but his fellow passengers... not so much

Is it bcowen or ibscowen … ……

 

[HTSkywalker]

Yes, he could be... but his fellow passengers... not so much

Was it him ?????

 

[bpiotrow13]

So i finally installed the speedball upgrade. Not very difficult.

I think speedball is a must with hd650 (which is abviously subjective). Much better definition, air and punch. I also like TS5998 much better than the stock GE6as7ga.

Now time to change output caps

 

[Digital Enigma]

So i finally installed the speedball upgrade. Not very difficult.



I think speedball is a must with hd650 (which is abviously subjective). Much better definition, air and punch. I also like TS5998 much better than the stock GE6as7ga.

Now time to change output caps

Audio grade electrolytic or big boy film capacitors?

 

[Paladin79]

Audio grade electrolytic or big boy film capacitors?

Mundorf oil filled silver and gold anyone?