Valve base down.. .

[Bourney]

What happens if a valve base goes down? I've got sound through both channels but noticed the one of my right EL34s wasn't glowing. Swapped the valves around. Same position not glowing. There was a bit of rustling on that side earlier so I re sat all valves. Could I have knocked a connection on the valve seat?? Easy enough to change? Ive git a few days off and was hoping fir a few listening sessions. ..Could I remove one of the left hand valves and use it at half output until i get it looked at or is there a risk of damage?

[Bourney]

I'll give it a go thanks. Typically I have new speakers to listen to.
If I was to run the amp with one el34 inserted on each side, would there be risk of damage or does the output just half?

[Bourney]

Amp is a prima Luna Prologue 1 by the way

[Bourney]

Haha.. I think I'll leave it. Bloody valve amps....

[walpurgis]

I wouldn't do it myself.

This kind of situation is why I always have a spare (back-up) amplifier. A tiny SMSL is ideal.

[Bourney]

I've got the bottom off. Can't see anything out of sorts.
The bottom of the pins are quite loose and rattley, is that normal??.

[tubehunter]

If it's a push pull amp then both tubes are used at the same time in a "push pull" circuit. The channel switching happens before the signal gets to the power tubes.

Confusion with this type of amp is that power can be cut in half by removing one of the two tubes, this is not how it works. The two tubes are a "team" and taking one out would make half of the output signal and the output transformer search for something to amplify, creating a horrid tone called "crossover distortion."

Not a practice I would recommend.

[Bourney]

I'll take it to someone knowledgeable. Not sure tgere is anyone local, sadly as i think it woukd be a quick fix. Week off work and no music.:(

[Firebottle]

I'll take it to someone knowledgeable. Not sure tgere is anyone local, sadly as i think it woukd be a quick fix. Week off work and no music.:(

I'll gladly look at it for you but you would have to get it to me.

[mikeyb]

I'll take it to someone knowledgeable. Not sure tgere is anyone local, sadly as i think it woukd be a quick fix. Week off work and no music.:(Do you want a loaner?

I have a Claymore MK2 amp sitting doing nothing, it's not perfect as there a channel imbalance at low volume but you're welcome to borrow it.

Posted tomorrow you could have it by Thursday ;)

[Bourney]

Hi Mike, that's extremely kind of you thank you. I've got to travel to Manchester at some point this week so I'm going to see if I can get Mike Powell to have a look while I'm there. I'm convinced it's a dry joint. If not I'd lo e to take you up on the offer Alan as you're not too far from me. Thanks chaps. Great bunch of fellas you all are.

[Bourney]

Well, I remade the valve base pin connections but no luck so I'm going to drop it off to Mike Powell in Bolton.

[take5]

Steve, I have a few amps that you are welcome to borrow until you get sorted.

Not too far out of your way if you were able to collect, on your way to see Mike in Bolton.

[Bourney]

Hi Brian, thanks pal. Luckily.. Mr Firebottle fixed my amp for me this evening. Great to hear your set up Alan..absolutely stunning and thank you for sorting my amp so quickly (and seemingly easily!)

[rubber duck]

That was quick! Well done. So what was the problem in the end? I have what looks like an identical problem with my SE Unison Research valve amp and am wondering if this could be easily fixed.

[Bourney]

It was a dry soldered joint, possibly two, but on the valve base on the adjacent valve. Great to watch someone who knows what they're doing on stuff like this.

[rubber duck]

Thanks Steve. Good to know.