Question:
Here's the story.
I talked to a guy at the local music store about this problem, considering I've replaced the fuse, and it still doesn't work. He told me that if that didn't work, I probably blew a preamp tube. But would it not turn on if only a preamp tube was blown?
Anyway, if I do switch out those tubes, I'd like to get some high gain tubes. Possibly Electro-Harmonix or Sovtek (to match the Sovtek 5881's in the power amp section). Which would be better?
*EDIT: Actually, now that I think about it, I may go ahead and switch out the power amp tubes as well. It can either have EL34's or 6L6's. How would an EL34 sound compared to a 6L6?
Answer:
If the power indicator light doesn't come on, it ain't the tubes.
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No- I don't see how a failed preamp tube could cause that.
Have you checked to see if you've blown the new fuse?
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That's what I thought. The tube thing didn't sound like a logical explanation, but I went along with it there.
tht: Yeah, I've tried the fuse multiple times, so it's most definitely not the fuse.
What else could possibly be wrong with it? By the way, there's no way I'm going to pay $150+ to ship this to California then, another $150+ to get it back.
Answer:
Originally Posted by simple servant That's what I thought. The tube thing didn't sound like a logical explanation, but I went along with it there.
tht: Yeah, I've tried the fuse multiple times, so it's most definitely not the fuse.
What else could possibly be wrong with it? By the way, there's no way I'm going to pay $150+ to ship this to California then, another $150+ to get it back.
The thing is, fuses can keep blowing out on you. In this case, I'd doubt it, as it should power up at least momentarily before they go.
The next thing I would check would be the power transformer (making sure none of the leads came loose), then the switch, and also testing the power transformer to make sure the correct voltage is coming out. All but the first of these pretty much requires a multimeter and some knowledge to troubleshoot the circuit (and especially with a high voltage tube circuit, don't go tinkering in there).
Is there anyone you know that has electronics knowledge and experience?
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Have you tried powering the amp with other sources? Like at someone else's house?
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Are you sure there aren't two fuses for different functions? If not, based on what you said, it sounds like the power supply got fried. I would take it to a local electronics repair shop and save on the shipping - unless it's under warranty, then they may cover the shipping.
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Originally Posted by Dave H Are you sure there aren't two fuses for different functions? If not, based on what you said, it sounds like the power supply got fried. I would take it to a local electronics repair shop and save on the shipping - unless it's under warranty, then they may cover the shipping.
Good point - my Peavey Bravos have like 3 internal fuses...
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Originally Posted by tht00 The thing is, fuses can keep blowing out on you. In this case, I'd doubt it, as it should power up at least momentarily before they go. It takes slow blow fuses. Would those burn out that quickly? But yeah, it won't turn on at all.
Originally Posted by Dave H Are you sure there aren't two fuses for different functions? If not, based on what you said, it sounds like the power supply got fried. I would take it to a local electronics repair shop and save on the shipping - unless it's under warranty, then they may cover the shipping. I've found the right fuse for it. It took forever, and I searched about 4 different hardware stores to get it too. I didn't see another fuse, and the one I pulled out was completely fried. I don't believe it is under warranty anymore, but I'm not certain, because I bought it used. The guy at the local music store recommended taking it up to Uncle Albert, who is the son of one of the guys who originally designed the tube amp. But the thing is, with Albert, he's always extremely busy, and it's a one man operation, so it would take between a month to 4 months before I would get it back.
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Originally Posted by Building429_Boy Have you tried powering the amp with other sources? Like at someone else's house? I've tried about every outlet in our house, and still nothing.
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i have electro harmonix preamp tubes and i think they blow. i replaced 2 of mine with mesa spax-7's they sound much smoother.
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Originally Posted by simple servant It takes slow blow fuses. Would those burn out that quickly? But yeah, it won't turn on at all.
I've found the right fuse for it. It took forever, and I searched about 4 different hardware stores to get it too. I didn't see another fuse, and the one I pulled out was completely fried. I don't believe it is under warranty anymore, but I'm not certain, because I bought it used. The guy at the local music store recommended taking it up to Uncle Albert, who is the son of one of the guys who originally designed the tube amp. But the thing is, with Albert, he's always extremely busy, and it's a one man operation, so it would take between a month to 4 months before I would get it back.
What I really meant, is sometimes equipment will have more than one fuse that needs to be replaced. Check carefully to make sure there's not a second (or even more as Tom noted) fuse that also needs to be replaced.
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Oh, also I don't think you necessarily need to take it to Uncle Albert...any competant repair person should be able to take care of a power supply
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Originally Posted by Dave H What I really meant, is sometimes equipment will have more than one fuse that needs to be replaced. Check carefully to make sure there's not a second (or even more as Tom noted) fuse that also needs to be replaced. Oh, I'm sorry, I just kinda skimmed through it. I'm horrible about that. Now that I'm looking back at it, I've tried 3 different power supplies, and none of them will power it. I didn't see any more fuses when I checked the first time, but I will check again.
Oh, also I don't think you necessarily need to take it to Uncle Albert...any competant repair person should be able to take care of a power supply Heh, okay, that's good. That means I won't necessarily have to pay as much and get it back quicker.