• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Ampeg PF50T problem after turn on

Hello! I’m new follower in this forum,and i have a doubt to my new amp
Early novembre i purchased a new ampeg pf50t and pf115he(used) ,after tubes warm up ,turn on and coming out from the cab,two blasts
Is it normal o is it a problem?
 
"Blast" suggests a loud noise! Is this what you actually mean?

It's not unusual for tubes to make little popping and creaking noises as they warm up. Loud random noises are not acceptable IMHO. If the noises are loud, either return/exchange the amp, or start a warranty claim.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rodl2005
"Blast" suggests a loud noise! Is this what you actually mean?

It's not unusual for tubes to make little popping and creaking noises as they warm up. Loud random noises are not acceptable IMHO. If the noises are loud, either return/exchange the amp, or start a warranty claim.
Yes, should be pretty much silent after switching off the standby.
Warranty time.

Can you try it with another suitable cab? Just to eliminate that side of things
 
This “problem” is the same with Markbass 104
This is link on YouTube to watching my amp
https://youtube.com/shorts/UrM9GAkTM_w?feature=share


That does not sound like a very loud pop, so it may be normal. Hard to say for sure. The level of hum in the video suggests the amp does not have the factory humbuster update. Is your amp making the same level of hum?

I don't know if Ampeg will warranty the hum, but since you bought the amp knew they may. If they do, make sure and express concern for the popping.

I believe this is what the factory update looks like.
upload_2022-12-20_21-12-58.png

Here is the humbuster thread if you are interested: Ampeg PF-50T Humbuster

My PF50T does not have the humbuster update either, so it hums and makes random noises as the tubes warm up. I bought my amp used, and will eventually perform the update myself.
 
That sound is capacitors filling up with juice. Sometimes it happens, but when it’s been on a while, it won’t pop, at least for me. If it runs fine otherwise, don’t worry about it.
Mine pops seemingly at random every once in a while. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with how long I've had it on, but I could be wrong. I've had it for years, and it's always done it, so I've stopped worrying about it.
 
My Ashdown did this with an Eden cab. I sold the cab and took the head to the best tech shop in town. No more blasts come from my head.
Take it to a tech or return/exchange it. I know it’s frustrating but it’s not in your wheelhouse to diagnose it so give it to who will do it right.
 
Mine pops seemingly at random every once in a while. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with how long I've had it on, but I could be wrong. I've had it for years, and it's always done it, so I've stopped worrying about it.
That sounds like a tube. Try pulling them out and reseating them, and if that doesn’t work, see if you can find the bad one with the chopstick test. I could be wrong of course, but I have gotten that occasionally from a bad tube.
 
Due to the way they're designed, some amps can have a fairly loud pop or thump when turning on or turning off. I'm not that familiar with the PF50T.
I had a Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb that would give a loud pop when turning off. My Ampeg PF-50t not a sound turning on or off. I have one of the early ones. Maybe isolate the power or try a different outlet.
 
One other thing that strikes me - as I understand it, best practice is to turn the amp on, let it sit a moment, and only then put it into standby - IOW, and I have seen different manufacturers and folks say different things, but it's better not to turn it on when set to standby, just as it should not be turned off from standby.