How can I tell if valves need replacing

We all start somewhere
Post Reply
bostod
User
Posts: 177
Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2011 6:12 pm

#1 How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by bostod »

Hi guys. I need a little help please. I have a set of 4 Electro Harmonix KT88 valves. I noticed today a slight drop out on a song and slight bluring. Sounds almost like a small jump on vinyl. Could be my bluetooth receiver but the tubes are also getting on. Probably had 300hrs tops through them but about 8 years old.
What are the tell tale signs of needing new ones. I haven't got a tube tester.
I like the sound the electro harmonix give and listen to mainly Msle/female solo with piano and guitar. Mainly rock based. But modern stuff problem classed as easy listening. Definately something radio stuff.
If contemplating new kt88tubes and not wanting to spend silly money. What others would be contenders.
If my tubes are still good, it would be nice to compare
User avatar
IslandPink
Amstrad Tower of Power
Posts: 10041
Joined: Tue May 29, 2007 7:01 pm
Location: Denbigh, N.Wales

#2 Re: How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by IslandPink »

If the valves were dying off due to long usage rather than faults, then you will see lower transconductance. This means less current than expected, flowing, for a given anode to cathode voltage, and bias. So, without a tube tester, measure the anode, cathode, G2 and grid voltages, and measure ( if you can ) the voltage drop across the cathode resistor, noting its resistance value. Work out the current flowing, based on the voltage across the cathode resistor, using I = V/R
If you then look at a standard KT88 valve datasheet, find the graph that shows the curves for your G2 voltage ( relative to cathode ) . Then check using the anode voltage (relative to cathode ) and grid voltage ( relative to cathode ) and see what current should be flowing.
If it's less than about 70% of what's shown on the datasheet, the valve is too aged and should be replaced.
( Now having said that, I need to go away and check if the pentode graphs normally show anode current on the X-axis, or anode plus G2 current ! )

Having said all this, 300hrs is not that much, unless the valves are being run very hard and near/over their maximum dissipation.
If you get sudden drop-outs of sound, there are a lot of other possible faults.
"Once you find out ... the Circumstances ; then you can go out"
User avatar
Nick
Site Admin
Posts: 15707
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 10:20 am
Location: West Yorkshire

#3 Re: How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by Nick »

Also check the "getter", the silver or black bit on the inside of the envelope, if a large part of it is transparent, that’s another sign they are getting on. It very much depends on how hard you amp works the valves.
Whenever an honest man discovers that he's mistaken, he will either cease to be mistaken or he will cease to be honest.
User avatar
IslandPink
Amstrad Tower of Power
Posts: 10041
Joined: Tue May 29, 2007 7:01 pm
Location: Denbigh, N.Wales

#4 Re: How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by IslandPink »

The graphs show anode current when it's working as a pentode - annoying, so you have to add in the likely G2 current, since the cathode current ( through the resistor ) is the sum of the G2 and anode currents.
Are these valves working as pentodes ( or tetrodes ) or triode-wired ? It's easier to check if triode-wired.
"Once you find out ... the Circumstances ; then you can go out"
User avatar
Mike H
Amstrad Tower of Power
Posts: 20157
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:38 pm
Location: The Fens
Contact:

#5 Re: How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by Mike H »

+ to what Nick said, inside of glass going brown
 
"No matter how fast light travels it finds that the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."
bostod
User
Posts: 177
Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2011 6:12 pm

#6 Re: How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by bostod »

Thank you very much for the replies my amp id a WAD kit88 running in pentode mode I believe. The testing skill is way above what I am capable of but the visual clues are very helpful. The tubes look okay and after reinserted them the problem seems to be resolved.
Other than upgrading the tubes, any other mods are probably beyond me.
The amp was upgraded before I got it though. With a capacitor change. Same transformers as original.
User avatar
Mike H
Amstrad Tower of Power
Posts: 20157
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:38 pm
Location: The Fens
Contact:

#7 Re: How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by Mike H »

Ah, dirty socket connections then hopefully. :D

I just remembered, yes another sign is funny noises. Have had a bunch of 6SN7's go off with clicking crackling noises. Sounds like bad connections, but not. Also had Golden Dragon EL34's where the getter gradually disappeared. Didn't turn white, just disappeared! :shock: 300B's that made a soft pulsing noise - air had got in, so they made an effect like a guttering blue gas flame as well.

I read somewhere a valve starts deteriorating as soon as you turn it on ... :shock:
 
"No matter how fast light travels it finds that the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."
bostod
User
Posts: 177
Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2011 6:12 pm

#8 Re: How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by bostod »

Well after some hum getting louder over previous months, I replaced all the kt88 tubes. I did this because I read that old tubes can let transformer noise through. After inserting the new tubes, the amp is silent again. It was only after buying the new tubes that I noticed the silver tops on the old tubes had diminished greatly. This was mentioned previously on this post and looks like a good indicator that tubes are on the way out to a novice like me
steve s
Shed dweller
Posts: 2829
Joined: Wed May 30, 2007 6:19 pm
Location: east yorks

#9 Re: How can I tell if valves need replacing

Post by steve s »

Life is a learning curve... Good result !
The tube manual is quite like a telephone book. The number of it perfect. It is useful to make it possible to speak with a girl. But we can't see her beautiful face from the telephone number
Post Reply