Rig problems. Troubleshoot with me please

[BassProg]

So I have an Ampeg SVP Pro which has never worked correctly since I purchased it.....There is something wrong internally.
I do know that when I have merely touched the outside of my SKB rack case, it would cause a loud pop and crack through my cabinets.
I figured it was a ground issue. I tried to troubleshoot, and never could find the source of the proble. mI took it out of my rig and it has sat since.
I have an old Peavy multieffects preamp that I have been using as a backup while i searched for an ADA MB1 preamp. Which I have found. Its on its way.
Anyways, now I am getting a distortion sound through everyone of my cabinets
I have an SWR Goliath III(pre fender) which I know has a blown speaker. So I have been using a Hartke Transporter 4x10 in its place. But now its making the same distorted sound.
I am even getting a distorted sound through my Eden 18" cab.
What is going on?
I have a Crest Audio LT1000 poweramp.
Could the problem be originating there?
I have looked and can't seem to find the source there.....
or could it even be with my power conditioner?
Help

[BassProg]

bump for help

[christw]

Any chance you use an active bass and the battery is dying?

[sammyfallen]

Sounds like it's your power amp... Are you sure your not running below the amps rated impedance or pushing your cabs to hard?

[JimmyM]

sounds like you're blowing cabs by putting too much power through them. as for the svp pro, that sounds more like you have a broken tube or two.

[BassProg]

The battery is not dying. Brand new.
I dont think I am pushing the cabs too hard at all. The channels are running parallel. Not bridged.
I know the volume pot on my Peavy preamp is loaded with corrosion. I try to work it loose, and to clean the contacts, but it doesnt seem to clean it up.
Is there a risk to my ADA MB1 preamp by plugging in to this Crest poweramp?

[BassProg]

as for the SVP Pro.....the tubes were just replaced when this happened.
I am sick and tired of that thing. Its given me nothing but problems from the start.
Anyone want to buy it at a reduced price?

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by BassProg

The battery is not dying. Brand new.

Replace it again but this time with another make. I had a batch of batteries that worked with everything EXCEPT one of my basses. Changed make and problem went away. Worth a try at least.

[kdogg]

The key to trouble shooting is isolation. Start at the power amp input. Plug a different source into the power amp and see if you get the same distortion. If so, try another power amp. If the distortion is still present, you've now isolated the issue to your speaker cables or the cabinets themselves. You could do the same thing, but working back from the cabinets. It can be a pain, but isolating the source of the distortion is critical.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by kdogg

The key to trouble shooting is isolation...

Bingo.

You need to systematically check each component...bass > cable > preamp > cable > power amp > speaker cables > enclosures...to locate the culprit. Any other method and you end up chasing gremlins.

Where are you located and do you live near any other TBers?

Riis

[BassProg]

Thanks for the advice fellas....
I will try another brand of battery
I will also isolate and work from there....
I don't know if I live near any other TBers....
I live in the Quad Cities, Illinois

[Zooberwerx]

What are the Quad Cities? I'll assume there are four.

Riis