2. amps-preamps
  3. 188821-4741

How does a preamp die from sitting unused for a few months?

I’ve got an Inspire pre that I generally use with an Inspire amp.  I’ve been using the amp with a Cary pre but decided to put the Inspire in its place .

Installed, plugged in, turned on…and nada.  Tried different power cable, different outlet and still nothing.  Checked fuse and it’s fine.

Tried wriggling the PC and nothing.

I took the tubes out and will look into it later today but I find it weird that a piece of stereo equipment dies from sitting unused for a few months.  

Any idea what could have caused this?  Maybe a wire came loose?

Thanks.

128x128audiodwebe
builder3
765 posts
 

Depends on the storage. Anywhere unheated, or under-heated can be a problem. Things can draw moisture, which leads to corrosion.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,936 posts
 

If the rectifier tube is burned out would the rest of the tubes and power indicator light light up, or would all electricity be stopped at the first tube (here I'm assuming the rectifier is the first tube)?

@audiodwebe In a word, no.

The tubes are not lighting up because there's no power. So the fuse (which can blow due to current inrush of the filter caps in the power supply, which can be quite a lot higher if the unit has been stored for a while). The second most likely reason is its not plugged in properly.

erik_squires
16,363 posts
 

Old caps and moisture.  Bringing the gear in from the cold, and starting it up immediately without a chance to dehumidify would do it.

Another possibility, related to moisture is salt air. 

barts's avatar
barts
729 posts
 

+1 @builder3 

 

puptent's avatar
puptent
213 posts
 

invest in a variac and wake up slumbering gear correctly

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