2. amps-preamps
  3. 129198-330

Do blown preamp tubes cause other issues?

As a relatively tube newbie I'd like to know if one of the preamp tubes blew while listening at loud levels using a solid state amp would there be the potential to damage the unit itself plus the amplifier and thus the speakers? I have ARC Ref 5 or 6 in mind. I don't ever seem to hear this discussed. Thanks for any info provided.

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wolf_garcia
6,726 posts
 
I'm not sure how a tube preamp hooked to a SS amp can take out your speakers, but I guess anything is possible…it would seem that the preamp just stops working when a tube blows, and isn't likely to dump anything beyond (maybe) some noise into the amp which I suppose could stress the speakers…still…hmm...
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cleeds
6,009 posts
 
schubert
If you have a solid-state amp with tube pre it can take out your speakers .
I have never, ever seen that happen. In the case of ARC, where I have the most experience, the preamp will go into automute at the slightest malfunction.
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kalali
1,977 posts
 
I suppose if a preamp tube arced and caused fire and burnt down the house, one could argue it can take out the speakers. But that should not be limited to only solid state amps. Just saying...
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Seen it happen twice .
tooblue
1,951 posts
 
Schubert please elaborate.
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