EAR V20 question maybe tubes question?


Folks,

I just purchased a used EAR V20 amplifier. I've never owned tube gear, and I've never auditioned the V20 (I've auditioned other tube amps though) (as to why I bought it: it was on ebay, auction was ending and the price seemed very right.)

The amp sounds great, but there is a slight problem and I have also one question about what I should be expecting from a 20-W tube amp.

-- When the volume control is used, there is audible hiss/scratch coming from the speakers. How can this be remedied? Is it a big problem or just a matter of changing some tubes?

-- The amp replaces a Creek 5350SE in a setup that uses Triangle Antal speakers and a Philips 1000 SACD source. Even though on classical music and voice the V20 sounds much better and seems to set the Triangles free in a way, the base sounds quite a bit leaner: tighter and cleaner but also with less body. Is that to be expected? Is that what I'm giving up with the tubes?

Thanks in advance!!
vasvas
If the noise is only when you are adjusting volume, you probably just have a dirty pot. Clean out the volume pot and see if the problem persists. Happy listening.
"When the volume control is used, there is audible hiss/scratch coming from the speakers"
sounds to me like a dirty pot. Suggest to get a bottle of Caig Progold contact cleaner. The V20 is no doubt an outstanding integrated when matched with speaker with at least 93db efficiency with 8ohm load. Tube rolling and retubing are expensive!