[kingdeezie]

I have a VAC Ren MK 3 preamp.

The right side of the system, emanating from the speaker, starts to whine on and off periodically.

I've heard the noise before with other tube equipment I had, and when I replaced the tubes, it went away. I am sure the tubes need to be replaced.

However, its Saturday, and I am enjoying listening to my system, and was worried that the whine might be signaling imminent death.

Can a preamp tube blow, like a power tube would, and cause massive damage?

Is tube whine a sign of something bad about to happen?

I can order tubes to replace them, but I just want to make sure that I am OK running the tubes, until the replacements show up.

Any thoughts?

[paul79]

Whining tube sounds like a microphonic issue. Touch the tube and see if the whine changes or stops. If so, I think you are ok to play. Be careful if you have pussy hands They are a bit warm....

As far as tube failure taking out other components with it, it depends on the unit and how it was designed. Well designed tube gear should have over-rated resistors and such, and the mains fuse should be the only catastrophe. Don't take this as gospel. It is best to ask the manufacturer of your gear what damages a tube failure could cause.

[JakeJ]

Agree with Paul79.  Basic good advice.

[kingdeezie]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have some tubes coming from cryoset to mitigate the potential for problem.