Help Needed: Singlepower PPX3 Slam

[vberch]

Guys, I just received my SP PPX3 Slam and I need help getting a pulse on what's happening. I have a 6sn7 gain tube and 5687 output tubes and texture contol.

Basically I need to turn the volume knob all the way to 12 o'clock to get to moderate volume level and if I go any further, to 1 or 2 o'clock I get unbelievable distortion. I played with the texture control and it only amplified distortion.

I tried it with an RS-1 and a K-701 and got the same results. Any ideas? Bad tubes? This is my first tube amp, so I'll appreciate all your opinions. Thank you.

 

[Todd R]

Did you call Singlepower?
Great company, they should take care of you.
TR

 

[vberch]

Todd, it arrived today and I am sure it is after SP's business hours unless they work my hours .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd R Did you call Singlepower? Great company, they should take care of you. TR

 

[Todd R]

What's your source & how is it hooked up?

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vberch Guys, I just received my SP PPX3 Slam and I need help getting a pulse on what's happening. I have a 6sn7 gain tube and 5687 output tubes and texture contol. Basically I need to turn the volume knob all the way to 12 o'clock to get to moderate volume level and if I go any further, to 1 or 2 o'clock I get unbelievable distortion. I played with the texture control and it only amplified distortion. I tried it with an RS-1 and a K-701 and got the same results. Any ideas? Bad tubes? This is my first tube amp, so I'll appreciate all your opinions. Thank you.

Sounds like bad gain tube. But turn your texture control ALL THE WAY to soft or hard and see if the volume picks up at either setting.

 

[vberch]

Earl, I was hoping you'd come to the rescue! Thank you.

The texture control does effect volume. At the far left Soft setting (7 o'clock) there is almost no audible signal at all, even when the main volume control is at its maximum position. As I turn texture control towards Hard, the volume picks up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover Sounds like bad gain tube. But turn your texture control ALL THE WAY to soft or hard and see if the volume picks up at either setting.

 

[vberch]

Todd, my source is a component DVD-A player. I just tried a different CD player with the same results. Both sources were conected directly to the amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd R What's your source & how is it hooked up?

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vberch Earl, I was hoping you'd come to the rescue! Thank you. The texture control does effect volume. At the far left Soft setting (7 o'clock) there is almost no audible signal at all, even when the main volume control is at its maximum position. As I turn texture control towards Hard, the volume picks up.

If the texture knob is all the way to hard do you get enough volume?

 

[vberch]

Earl, with the volume knob at 12 o'clock and the texture knob all the way to Hard, it sounds very quiet. I swear I am not deaf . If I go past 12 o'clock, I get such bad distortion, I cannot listen to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover If the texture knob is all the way to hard do you get enough volume?

 

[Todd R]

I agree, sounds like a bad tube.

 

[vberch]

I talked to Mikhail and he said that it is definitely a bad gain tube. I wanted to purchase a replacement but he insisted on mailing it free of charge. He said it will be in the mail today.

I am leaving on a business trip and won't be back until next week. It will be a nice treat to listen to it when I come back.