18W Modern Classic TMB build random pops and cracks
Posted: Tue 05/13/25 3:32 pm
I just finished the build and fired it up through a dim bulb tester and to a dummy load without tubes. No shorts, so I turn it off, discharge the caps and add pre-amp tubes one at a time and check for shorts again. All is well so far. Added both power tubes and 150 watt bulb barely lights, which I expected. Turned it off, plugged in a speaker and the trouble starts.
The first problem I ran into was severe static at one volume setting and random chirps (birdies) on the TMB channel. I thought I might have a bad volume pot but after chopsticking, I found that if I moved the pin 7 lead on the PI tube that the static and noise disappeared. I shut off the amp and inspected my solder joints and they were sound. The tube socket pin holes were tight as well. On a whim, I changed tubes and the static and chirps disappeared. Okay, I thought, problem solved. Now there are random pops and crackles coming through at just about any volume level above zero. I chopsticked some more and the only reaction I get are thumps when I tap the .022 and .01 coupling capacitors from both channels into the PI. I suspect that I have bad pre-amp tubes (new JJ's, I know, I know ) but I want to ask the experts here.
Attached is the voltage sheet and a gut shot. The line voltage here averages about 125V.
The first problem I ran into was severe static at one volume setting and random chirps (birdies) on the TMB channel. I thought I might have a bad volume pot but after chopsticking, I found that if I moved the pin 7 lead on the PI tube that the static and noise disappeared. I shut off the amp and inspected my solder joints and they were sound. The tube socket pin holes were tight as well. On a whim, I changed tubes and the static and chirps disappeared. Okay, I thought, problem solved. Now there are random pops and crackles coming through at just about any volume level above zero. I chopsticked some more and the only reaction I get are thumps when I tap the .022 and .01 coupling capacitors from both channels into the PI. I suspect that I have bad pre-amp tubes (new JJ's, I know, I know ) but I want to ask the experts here.
Attached is the voltage sheet and a gut shot. The line voltage here averages about 125V.
