[jchan15]

Hi all,

I have a transcendance 10 RB tube preamp and I am experiencing some noise.  I can't hear it when music is playing but when there is no signal I can hear it ever so slightly.  Is it time to change the tubes on the preamp or is this just a part of owning tubes.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide me.

[jandrews]

I have the same pre
Try reseating the tubes after it’s been powered down for awhile.
Sometimes that will cure random noises.

[jedgar]

I had similar noise with Transcendence Ten. First, switch L/R tubes to see if the noise follows the tubes in order to confirm that a tube is the source. A tube retailer suggested tapping tubes gently but firmly with eraser on pencil to settle out any flakes on interior of tubes.  What the hey, that's a freebie!, I thought. This actually helped mine but only for a few hours of play.  I bought the T Ten used from AVA and was unsure of tube age, so ordered replacements from AVA and the what do you call 'em, microphonics, are gone.  Under $100

[mick wolfe]

I have the same pre
Try reseating the tubes after it’s been powered down for awhile.
Sometimes that will cure random noises.

Agreed. You also could do a very light sanding of the tube pins. Then wipe the pins with isopropyl alcohol. When totally dry, reinsert a couple times. This will help with any minor corrosion in the tube socket as well. Good luck.

[jchan15]

Thank you all for your advice - its very helpful.

[WGH]

I use CRC QD Electronic Cleaner which is available at Ace Hardware. If sanding, I would only use micron grit sandpaper but sanding is not really necessary, there is too much of a risk of scratching. I consider even #220 grit too rough and went to a much higher grit when sanding mesquite or the scratches would show.

All you need to do is safely remove any oxide or goobers and CRC cleaner will do that without the risk of damage. Some NOS tubes have copper pins that have to be cleaned before using because of oxidation.

Note: do not spray into tube sockets.

[SJ David]

Hi all,

I have a transcendance 10 RB tube preamp and I am experiencing some noise.  I can't hear it when music is playing but when there is no signal I can hear it ever so slightly.  Is it time to change the tubes on the preamp or is this just a part of owning tubes.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide me.

Hearing it from your listening position? Or hearing it when your head is right up close to the speaker?

[jchan15]

Hi SJ David,

I hear a hissing noise when my ear is up to the speaker.

Thanks.

[JackD]

That is normal and the level of the hiss is dependent on the gain of the preamp, the input sensitivity of the amp and the efficiency of the speakers.

[SJ David]

Hi SJ David,

I hear a hissing noise when my ear is up to the speaker.

Thanks.

This is my experience as well with two AVA preamps and two integrated tube amps owned over the years. The hiss has varied with both new and NOS older tubes but always a slight hiss right at the speaker even with the newer tubes. I did have a set in my AVA T8 that were very quiet but that is not typical in my experience. I recently tossed one NOS tube that had a hiss (and hummed a bit) I could hear from my listening position. THAT can drive one crazy.

[Chazz5]

Yes, same preamp, I hear a whoosh right next to the speakers. The volume control has no effect. So what?

[ceylon]

microphonics is a high ringing. this all sounds like basic tube noise.

lots of ways to response

tube tap, cleaning the pins with scotch brite pad are common responses.

swap tubes to see if the noise follows the swap. replace noisy tube with one that tests the same as non-noisy tube or buy new matched pair.