SVT-VR rocker switch "snap" sound normal?

[slick_tu]

I thought I read some mention of this at one time or another, but I just can't find it.

Is it normal for the VR's rocker switches to "snap" now and then (through the speakers) when flipped? The amp sounds fine and I don't ordinarily change the switch positions; I just thought i read at one time that this could indicate a ground problem or something.

[MIJ-VI]

The switch contacts may be oxidized.

DeoxIT® D-Series - Contact Cleaner & Rejuvenator
http://store.caig.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.188/.f

[anderbass]

You mentioned it only does it now and then, that made me wonder if maybe your just noticing it more when your volume knob is turned up higher?

[fdeck]

I haven't worked on SVT's specifically (or any tube gear in 30 years), but excessive switch pop can be caused by leaky blocking capacitors. You could get more pop if you leave the amp turned on for a longer time before flipping the switch.

[blastjv]

I have never heard mine pop like that.

-JV

[slick_tu]

Thanks for all the replies.

I should also mention this is new, about two months old, but built a couple years ago (after the ground hum issue). I don't change the volume; if I flip the switch, put it back, and change it again right away, it won't snap the second or third time. I have to wait awhile before it will do it again. It doesn't seem to make a difference if the amps been on for awhile. I don't think all the rockers do it. I don't change the rockers' usual positions; I only noticed it because I was experimenting.

I just checked, and there is a slight crackling when I turn the standby switch off (put it in playing position) after the usual warm-up. It seems to do it every time and then there is a quiet hum (I assumed the hum as normal for tubes amps).

I'm wondering if I should have it checked out while it's still under warranty. I go to Dennis Kager at Central Jersey, a two-hour drive each way.

[Jerrold Tiers]

I would not worry about it.

The noise is caused by small voltages on capacitors, which are discharged when the switch is moved to the other position.

Normally, one uses a very high value resistor to discharge them, but in some places in the SVT (and so the VR) those are not present. And you get the pop.

Even with the "drain resistors", you can get a pop under certain conditions, such as switching whikle the unit is warming up, or while playing. So apparently George wisely decided to leave them out if they were not in the SVT.

It doesn't snap the second time, because the small voltage has been discharged already.

[slick_tu]

Thanks Jerrold. As usual, you are the definitive source, and your comments make sense. The amp sounds great, and I won't worry about it.

[JimmyM]

he said "discharge." huh huh huh!