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Preamp issue?

My Cary Slp3 started to​ act up.
Few days ago I noticed something was off, but didn't have the time to listen critically..... yesterday it was even more pronounced but still not obvious...I realized that right channel is a tiny bit lower level than the left channel.
I eliminated all obvious issues, like bad connections, balance knob turned, etc...
I don't have spare tubes, and before I start opening the chassis and switching the tubes, just want to make sure this is even a possibility.

Thanks

ether
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Ether,

It could easily be aging and or bad tubes,I would switch them side to side and see if the problem follows.

Looks like you ruled out the other obvious potential problems.
Tubes don't last forever and have to be changed occasionally.

Best of luck to you,

Kenny.
pops
2,272 posts
 
Every issue I have had with tube preamps has been the result of faulty tubes.  Noisey, popping sound like pop corn, microphonic howl.  But never what you describe.  But I suppose it is possible.  Defintely swap the tubes - that is the first step in the process of elimination.

Are you sure it is your preamp?  Hate to state the obvious but you always need a spare set for this reason and for when they eventually crap out.

Good luck!

toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
I'm voting for tube issues too. I've had power tubes go bad very quickly, leading to popping, crackling and the like.

The good thing about my pre coming with crappy Chinese tubes was that I replaced them immediately, leaving me a spare set (of inferior quality..) to diagnose problems with as to use while I wait for good replacements.
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