Eden WT500 - replace tube?

[Tumeni Notes]

I decided to get a practice amp/cabinet configuration in order to make it easier for me to jam with different bands and to use as a backup if my primary rig has problems.

So, I dusted off my old Eden WT500 amp and purchased a Peavey 2X10 and a SWR "Son of Bertha" 1X15 cabinet. Last night I was playing through the system and it sounded like a blew the Peavey cabinet. I was not playing very loud, maybe about setting 7 and it sounded like my cord had a loose connection. When I unplugged my cord and then plugged it back it, everything sounded great, then I heard a weak, farting type sound. I switched cords and had the same problem. I inspected my bass to make sure the internal contacts were clean and tight. I even plugged into my primary system to make sure it was not the bass or the cords.

I then used my primary amp and connected it to the Peavey cabinet and everything sounded great again.

Now, the Eden amp is probably over 15+ years old, but has not been used very much during the past several years. My question is - Do you think I need to replace my amp tube? I primary have only used solid state amps, so I am not very knowledgeable about hybrid amps. Since the cabinet seems to be all right, I wonder if the problem is the exact opposite of what I thought. Instead of my blowing my cabinet, the amp is not providing enough power and thus, the power is extremely weak. Thus, my cabinet is not getting enough power to move the speakers.

Also, is there a way to look at the tube to see if it is bad?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[okcrum]

If you have a tube tester or another amp, you can test or swap the tube. If you have a spare you can swap that in.

Before doing that I'd clean all the controls and TRS connectors, esp. the effects loop and aux input on the back panel.

[johnk_10]

^^^^^ +1

and, the preamp tube can last a very long time.
i tried several NOS ones in mine, but it didn't make any noticeable difference, so if you do replace it, i'd just use a reissue of your preference (i.e. Sovtek, EH, JJ, Tung-sol).

[Munjibunga]

If your bass is active, you should check its battery.

[gerryjazzman]

Had a similar problem with my WT300. Turned out to be the effects return jack (it's a closed circuit jack). Try jumpering a cord between the effects send and return. If that works, it's the return jack. If so you could try cleaning it by spraying with contact cleaner and working 1/4" plug in and out a few times.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by gerryjazzman

Had a similar problem with my WT300. Turned out to be the effects return jack (it's a closed circuit jack). Try jumpering a cord between the effects send and return. If that works, it's the return jack. If so you could try cleaning it by spraying with contact cleaner and working 1/4" plug in and out a few times.

I bought a bore brush for a .22 caliber gun that works perfectly for cleaning jacks. I just spray a little Caig Deoxit on it, and rotate it in the jack a couple times.