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Crackling coming from Right Speaker - Help

I recently began my journey into the world of tube amplification. I purchased a Genesis I60 on audiogon, and have been extremely pleased with the sound. I moved from a floorstander (Legacy) to a monitor (Focal 906). In the past month or so I have heard a crackling sound through the right channel periodically. It has been present with both sets of speakers. Being a bit of a novice, I am not sure if this is an issue with an aging tube, a cable issue, etc. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
bank738
bank738 OP
40 posts
 
Thanks for the quick help here. I currently am using a power conditioner, so will try the tube rotation idea first and then look at other connection issues. Is it possible to be an issue with a power cable? That is the last new cable that has been added in the system. I am not sure when I first noticed the crackling/fuzz, but who knows sometimes.
Appreciatively,
Brian
bank738 OP
40 posts
 
P.S. - I assume I would need to rebias if I switch the tubes over - correct?
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
Before you do anything else: Next time you hear the crackle, tap each of the tubes in that channel with the eraser end of a pencil. It the sound gets worse, or disappears- you've found your culprit. Start with the driver/phase splitter tubes, as those usually generate that type of sound when faulty.
truman
168 posts
 
You'll generally need to re-bias only when changing amplifier output tubes. Small signal tubes can be swapped or "rolled" without having to re-bias.
bank738 OP
40 posts
 
Rodman99999 thanks. Sounds like some more great practical advice. When you mention the splitter tubes, I am not sure where to start. The tube compliment per channel is # Power Tubes (per channel): Two KT88
# Tube Complement (per channel): One 12AX7, two 6SN7.

Thanks,
Brian
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