V1 microphonics or socket ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter EnGl
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EnGl

EnGl

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I checked my preamp tubes (with pencil) and V1 was microphonic. Loud when I popped it. It was Ruby 12ax7HG.
I turned the amp off , I changed this tube with another ruby and ... problem is the same...

Other V's was noticebale less noisier. It's like:
V1- the loudest pop
V2 - quieter pop than V1
V3-quieter pop than V2
V4-quieter pop than V3
V5-quieter pop than V4
V6 -The most quiet

WTF ?
I Know that V1 is the most sensitive spot so maybe this is normal ?
Amps by itself(without plugged guitar) it's very quiet. There is some hiss/background noise but it's normal due to high gain structure of this amp. Nothing unusual like popping, cracking etc.
I've found something on Mesa Boogie FAQ site :
TUBE NOISE:

Often caused by contamination within in a tube, the culprit can usually be identified, and by lightly tapping on the glass, you will probably hear the noise change. Hearing some noise through your speakers while tapping on the 12AX7's is normal however. And the one nearer the Input will always sound louder because its output is being further amplified by the second 12AX7.

But I will wait for yours opinion.
 
Cheap Chinese tubes. Not many CP tubes play well in V1 of some high gain amps. I went through 8 before finding one that wouldn't squeal in V1 of my 5 gain stage 800. Put the same tubes in a different amp, no noise at all. JJ's are some of the quieter I've found, but I don't care for their mediocre tone. I've since purchased some NOS with great results.
 
Bloodrock":28zxbf1w said:
Cheap Chinese tubes. Not many CP tubes play well in V1 of some high gain amps. I went through 8 before finding one that wouldn't squeal in V1 of my 5 gain stage 800. Put the same tubes in a different amp, no noise at all. JJ's are some of the quieter I've found, but I don't care for their mediocre tone. I've since purchased some NOS with great results.

In this V1 i put JJ and situation was bit better. But there is still noticeable pop when I hit the tube with pencil.

Without the plugged guitar this amp has little background noise , the more the gain and volume - the background noise rises but this is pretty normal I think. I haven't noticed any unusual sound : popping , whistling etc .

The problem is on very high settings with moderate volume( gain 6.75 , volume at 2). I can barely control feedback with my palm ( pickups are 81/85). I don't use noise gate.
 
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