Crackling/popping noise, bad tubes?

[Tvk]

I've used a Darkvoice Figaro amp for several weeks now, which I've upgraded with RCA 6GV8/ECL85 tubes. I've been very happy with it so far, but a few days ago, as i was listening to music as usual, i noticed a quite loud crackling/popping noise from the right channel. About the same noise as if you don't get any reception on a radio. Could this be due to bad tubes? If it is, the tubes sure didn't last very long.

 

[atbglenn]

Make sure the tube pins are clean, free of heavy oxidation. That can cause noise issues.

 

[Pricklely Peete]

Yep Glenn is correct....once you've cleaned the pins (make note of which tube is which before cleaning the pins) pop the tubes back in and power up..if the noise continues shut down and swap the tubes around and then power back up...if the crackling/noise issue has swapped channels then you have a bad tube.

Peete.

 

[spanks]

I actually just came on to ask a similar question, but this thread seems pretty related.

About a month or so ago my amp started making noise in the left channel when nothing was playing. I have the whiplash starving student amp. I swapped the tubes and the noise swapped channels so I figure its a tube..but the noise is related to the position of the volume knob.

It sounds like a rustling static noise, kind like air being blown into your ear. It also makes the noise non stop if I rotate the volume knob back and forth.

What I figured out is that at the bottom range of the volume knob it didn't make noise...I switched to high gain and used the knob at like 8 or 9 oclock instead of 11 or 12. Now its started to make noise at the lower knob position.

Is this the same issue? To clean the pins is sand paper best?

Thanks guys

 

[apatN]

^ That can sure cause noise but in this case I bet the tubes are to blame. Swap the left channel tube to the right and the right channel tube to the left and see if the noise switches channels. If it does, you have one bad tube...

 

[Tvk]

I did a switcharound of the tubes just now, and yes, the noise switched from right to left. But the weird thing is, the noise isn't nearly as loud now as it was before, although I do still hear it.

 

[apatN]

In that case one of your tubes is dying. You will have to order at least one new tube.
I am sorry for your loss though. I had to replace a dying tube in my Little Dot as well.

 

[Tvk]

Is it common for tubes to have such a low lifespan?

 

[apatN]

I cannot answer that one but every tube will die eventually and just like people one will die sooner than the other.
I had to replace one tube while the other is still going strong. Just a case of bad luck I guess.