Streamliner Started Chirping

[adivin]

My GB Streamliner started making a chirping noise. It sounds like crickets...what the? Has anyone else had this issue?

 

[Jim Carr]

Pre-amp tube microphonics, in all likelihood—or you have a case of the crickets.

Try setting the amp on the floor, not the cabinet. It may reduce the severity. You probably need to swap out the tubes(s). You have three 12AX7A tubes in the pre-amp.

 

[adivin]

Should I swap all three or attempt to find the culprit?

 

[B-string]

Personally I would try one at a time. Most likely just one is doing it and the others may have 7 to 8 years left in them.

 

[Jim Carr]

I'd bet only one is bad, assuming it is a tube.

Having 3 new ones, assuming they are all good, will allow you to find the culprit or culprits most directly, by swapping in all new ones, and then testing each old one in turn. At the very least, I'd get two. That way, if it turns out only one is bad, you will have a spare. Can you tell I was a Boy Scout?

 

[agedhorse]

I haven't seen this symptom before. If it turns out not to be a tube, PM me and I will look into it for you.

 

[adivin]

Ok, low and behold, it's not doing it now. Either a one time thing, or an intermittent problem. Fingers crossed.