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Stopping Rectifier Tube mechanical hum (from the tube not through the headphones)

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by rhythmdevils, Nov 6, 2023.

  1. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    It's a clanging, ringing, hissing sound, Here is a download link to an example sound file recorded with my iPhone,

    I've had it with the Ampsandsound Bigger Ben Rev 2 and the Stellaris, both of which use 5U4G tubes. And I've had tubes that were quiet develop this noise and then it won't go away. It's loud enough that it makes the tubes impossible to use, and I have a pair of old GEC 5U4G's I love in my Stellaris but they're clanging away.

    Are there any solutions out there other than "fix your power"? Because I've got phantom power issues that no one can figure out so that's not really a viable solution.

    Someone like @iFi audio should make a little adapter that has noice cancelling tech or something that you put between the tube and the amp.

    Thanks
     
    rhythmdevils, Nov 6, 2023
    #1
  2. dsavitsk

    dsavitsk Friend

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    Do you know what the input cap size is? Datasheet says 40u is max. Larger might be causing your issue. Choke input is kinder to rectifiers.
     
    dsavitsk, Nov 6, 2023
    #2
  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    What 5U4G tubes? The more exotic, the more problems. Old = problems. The vintage stuff could be mechanically or electrically suspect. Some of this stuff has been around for decades. A lot of the "NOS" or "measures decent on toob tester" stuff left over that happens to still be "working" is highly suspect.
     
    • Agreed, ditto, +1 Agreed, ditto, +1 x 2
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    Last edited: Nov 7, 2023
    purr1n, Nov 7, 2023
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  4. bobboxbody

    bobboxbody Friend

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    Besides what's been mentioned, is it possible that the rectifier socket pin clamps are stretched out? Gentle re-tensioning with a small screw driver could help, just bend each side of the clamp back towards the center. Also a possible solution though I've never tried one personally, is a tube damper, they're supposed to help with mechanical vibration.

    PS: good to see you back around the forum, I've been missing my dose of rhythmdevils music blog, never heard Stars of the Lid before your post and now love them.
     
    bobboxbody, Nov 7, 2023
    #4

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