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Hybrid Tube Preamp - Loud Pops and Crackles

My stalwart VTL 7.5 iii pre is broadcasting loud pops and crackles through my speakers, scaring me about damage to the speakers. First, I thought my aged 12au7 NOS 7316's tubes were dying, so I replaced them with NOS Amperex Bugle Boys. The pre started with the loud pops and crackles again.

Are both of these tubes dying, or is the problem with the pre itself? Any thoughts? Thank you. Neal

nglazer
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,964 posts
 

Personally I would order a pair of JJ 12au7 from somewhere like Tube Depot.  Pay a few dollars for matched tubes plus screened for noise and you will either solve the problem or at least be sure it’s not the tubes.   
 

Could be loose tube sockets.  You can gently re-tension them and sometimes that solves the problem.  
 

Good luck 

bigkidz
3,397 posts
 

Could be the tubes and the tube sockets to start with. If that is not the case could be the volume control. RCA cable connections?  Then a cap of resistor. If in the NYC area I can take a look at it once you have eliminated the above.

nglazer OP
846 posts
 

Thx, colleagues. I will tool with the tubes and tube sockets and play with the volume control ( a possibility) and the IC cables (RCA and XLR). Beyond my skill to deal with cap or resistor. I am in NYC and hope I may not bother you -- but I might. I am on CPW. Cheers. neal

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