C2700 ordered. Now what?

[McMan]

Yep, I also have some crackling on tubes about two years old.

I ordered replacement input and output tube for my C22. I’ll let you know what I find after the switch out. They are supposed to arrive on the 4th.

[Charles]

I am assuming you have removed the Lampizator from the system and the crackling remains. I have not read the whole thread. I would ask my dealer for a solid state pre of another brand that he knows is working properly. Also, I think a tube tester is a good product. If the tubes test out as functioning properly, obviously it isn't the tubes. If the solid state pre eliminates the crackling, it's the 2700. I would also test the new tubes before inserting them into the 2700.

Best

Charles

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by Charles

I am assuming you have removed the Lampizator from the system and the crackling remains. I have not read the whole thread. I would ask my dealer for a solid state pre of another brand that he knows is working properly. Also, I think a tube tester is a good product. If the tubes test out as functioning properly, obviously it isn't the tubes. If the solid state pre eliminates the crackling, it's the 2700. I would also test the new tubes before inserting them into the 2700.

Best

Charles

Yes Charles the crackling is not limited to when using only the Lampizator. The system doubles as a HT system. The sound exist when the C2700 is in passthru and on other input selections. Previously I switched the XLR cables (Main Output) at the back of the c2700 and the crackling moved to the other speaker. That tells me the cracking is originating upstream from that connection. The only thing that concerns me is the tubes I'll be replacing is the Output and Input tubes, NOT right and left. The C2700 doesn't appear to be configured that way. I'll be swapping tubes shortly and if the problem persist I'll be contacting my dealer.

I've thought about purchasing a tube tester but up until now I didn't want to invest in one for minimal usage.

[Charles]

IMO, you need a tube tester. I would not proceed further until you know your tubes are good. I suspect they are. I think this is critical.

Best

Charles

[McMan]

My tubes arrived early, so I will install them today and provide an update.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by Charles

IMO, you need a tube tester. I would not proceed further until you know your tubes are good. I suspect they are. I think this is critical.

Best

Charles

Hi Charles,

Is there one you would recommend?

Thanks

Peter

[McMan]

I installed the new tubes. The sound is incredible, and the crackling is gone. Hopefully, I am in the clear.

I look forward to seeing recommendations on tube testers.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by dkorbal

Yes Charles the crackling is not limited to when using only the Lampizator. The system doubles as a HT system. The sound exist when the C2700 is in passthru and on other input selections. Previously I switched the XLR cables (Main Output) at the back of the c2700 and the crackling moved to the other speaker. That tells me the cracking is originating upstream from that connection. The only thing that concerns me is the tubes I'll be replacing is the Output and Input tubes, NOT right and left. The C2700 doesn't appear to be configured that way. I'll be swapping tubes shortly and if the problem persist I'll be contacting my dealer.

I've thought about purchasing a tube tester but up until now I didn't want to invest in one for minimal usage.

Doug. The cost of a new tube tester (while valuable to have) will far outstrip the cost of new GL signal tubes. Just replace the tubes. If that doesn't work, the unit needs to go back to your dealer for further evaluation.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by McMan

I installed the new tubes. The sound is incredible, and the crackling is gone. Hopefully, I am in the clear.

I look forward to seeing recommendations on tube testers.

Glad to see this worked out for you.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

Hi Charles,

Is there one you would recommend?

Thanks

Peter

Peter, short answer is no. I have thought about purchasing one. I have a good friend at Mac who I would ask. I have never had anything like this arise. I think if I did I would want to know which tube and I would want to know definitely if it was the tube.

I love my 3500's. I think its the finest amp in the world. I don't know of one I would swap it for. But the price you pay is reliability, which is a small but real price. I may wind up with a tube tester. I understand they are simple devices. I would be surprised if Mac did not have some internal check on the tubes but I would want to know which tube.

It's so simple. Test the tubes. Don't knee jerk order more tubes.

Best

Charles