2a3 valve strange behaviour?

[the_doc735]

If a matched quad was originally supplied then there may be data as to the matching on the boxes of the valves or in any paperwork received.. probably a figure in mA. This could be what is being asked for. If not then I haven't a clue...

many thanks!

[the_doc735]

If a matched quad was originally supplied then there may be data as to the matching on the boxes of the valves or in any paperwork received.. probably a figure in mA. This could be what is being asked for. If not then I haven't a clue...

yes, arkless! ~ that was indeed what they wanted - many thanks!

AND:

when it goes bad (the valve) does it stay bad 'thereafter'? - you see mine has been fine since that one time a few days ago when it went 'bright'!

[Arkless Electronics]

yes, arkless! ~ that was indeed what they wanted - many thanks!

AND:

when it goes bad (the valve) does it stay bad 'thereafter'? - you see mine has been fine since that one time a few days ago when it went 'bright'!

There are rare cases where it is fine ever after, usually if some foreign matter had been vaporised, causing the flash and curing the problem. This is very rare though and it would be more normal for the same to happen again before long, possibly with worse consequences, but certainly no threat to speakers.

[the_doc735]

There are rare cases where it is fine ever after, usually if some foreign matter had been vaporised, causing the flash and curing the problem. This is very rare though and it would be more normal for the same to happen again before long, possibly with worse consequences, but certainly no threat to speakers.

Many thanks!

PS: new one is in the post anyway!

[the_doc735]

A second valve has gone bright. This may have damaged my amplifier as the input and output transformers became extremely hot and I could smell burning, and were too hot to touch for over an hour!!

The valve supplier are sending a second replacement valve, but could this be the amp and not the valves?

[flapland]

I would now get it looked at by someone with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. Sadly I suspect you might have some damage already but perhaps easily fixed. I wouldn't stick in any replacement valve until its checked out.

[Spectral Morn]

If the amp was bought from new, do not accept a repair. You are by law entitled to a brand new replacement amp. I would personally have said don't use the amp until the new valve arrived. Was this brightly glowing valve on the same channel as the first failure.

Frankly if a valve misbehaves my view is replace and bin, unless you want to keep duds as part of a shelf display of valves.

Hope you get your issues sorted.

[Ali Tait]

The dodgy valve may have caused some damage in the amp or vice versa. I would not use the amp again until it has been looked at by a professional.

[the_doc735]

I would now get it looked at by someone with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. Sadly I suspect you might have some damage already but perhaps easily fixed. I wouldn't stick in any replacement valve until its checked out.

If the amp was bought from new, do not accept a repair. You are by law entitled to a brand new replacement amp. I would personally have said don't use the amp until the new valve arrived. Was this brightly glowing valve on the same channel as the first failure.

Frankly if a valve misbehaves my view is replace and bin, unless you want to keep duds as part of a shelf display of valves.

Hope you get your issues sorted.

The dodgy valve may have caused some damage in the amp or vice versa. I would not use the amp again until it has been looked at by a professional.

Yes I think you are right; I need to get an expert opinion FAST!
No, this was manufacturer refurbished a short while ago (not brand new - like new). Yes both dodgy valves on the left side of the amp and the left tranny red hot too!

Which went first? The valve or the tranny? The valve went bright first and then the tranny got hot!

Now the supplier is getting 'funny'!!! ~ They are saying I must return the 2 valves FIRST before they will send out replacement valves. They have said despite ebay rules I MUST pay for the return postage (not them!) AND if they decide that the amp has damaged their valves, I would have to buy 2 more valves from scratch!! Thing is, it was working fine before I put these valves in the amp (i.e. no faults/lovely). And because I have already started a return procedure for the first one, there appears to be no way of cancelling the whole deal and no way of contacting ebay and their system won't let me escalate the 'return' to a 'cancellation' either! Now I don't know what to do? Whether to take it to the local shop (as is) and explain the whole scenario from the beginning, OR remove the dodgy valves and take it to the shop with the original valves back in? This is now a legal battle as well as a technical one! What a nightmare!

[Arkless Electronics]

Probably dodgy valves, simple as that. I've seen this loads of times..... Unfortunately there are valves out there that simply aren't fit for purpose. It's not as bad as it once was.... but still not as rare as one would like!

A recent example, which I actually expected from knowing how dodgy the brand of valve was, is in my own Leak Stereo 20. I was made an offer I couldn't refuse for the Mullard GZ34 and had three Edicron ones brand new in their boxes. Each lasted about 2 days before a bright flash and the HT fuse blowing. Like I said, from experience I was pretty much expecting this to happen. I'll eventually get round to fitting SS rectifiers and that will be that sorted

I hope it hasn't damaged your OPT! Ideally fuse should have gone first of course...