Tube amplifier bad caps

Just a quick observation that bad caps don't necessarily have a visible external leak. I've seen plenty of way out-of-spec ones that appear physically fine.

Do you have a voltage meter? Do you have a schematic that indicates voltages at various test points? (Keep in mind that voltages in a tube amp are often in the 400 to 500 volt range, or even more.) The key is to start a logical testing process to run down the problem.

Cleaning switches is a good idea (and won't hurt anything) but there are a number of possible causes for the noise. A bad solder joint, a resistor damaged from overheating, a mechanical foil trace failure, a smaller signal cap - any of these or others could be the culprit.

Man, this one sure sounds like a bad power switch to me! It **does not** sound like bad filter caps! It *could* be a bad tube, but the flicker really suggests that the contacts on the power switch are arcing and permanently damaged. I would fire the tech that gave you the bad filter cap assessment, and get the power switch replaced.

Atmasphere I like your style ..no BS

I would pay attention to Ralph's (atmasphere) comments.

Atmasphere-> thx for the assessment. I'm leaning towards a bad contact somewhere. It turns out I've found the local company (formerly the company that went out of business that I purchased the unit from) that is the importer for CR Developments products. I'll make sure to get their assessment and post it here for reference purposes.

Thanks again guys for your help!