Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum

September 06, 2025, 12:37:43 pm
guest image
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
-User Name
-Password



Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Power tubes rattle in the combo  (Read 2727 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Leevi

  • Level 3
  • ***
  • Posts: 1574
  • I love tube amps
    • Rikstone
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Power tubes rattle in the combo
« on: June 13, 2010, 02:57:07 pm »
I have noticed a relative high frequency mechanical rattle coming probably from a pair of EL84.
That happens only with a specific note (=B). Is that typical for JJ's EL84?
/Leevi

Offline phsyconoodler

  • SMG
  • Level 4
  • *****
  • Posts: 4679
  • honey badger don't give a ****
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Power tubes rattle in the combo
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2010, 01:22:11 pm »
It can happen with EL84's of all types.
 A better tube retainer system can help.
Honey badger don't give a ****

Offline simonallaway

  • Level 2
  • **
  • Posts: 420
    • Hot Bottles - Tube Amp Blog
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Power tubes rattle in the combo
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2010, 01:56:44 pm »
Surely this is a problem for all tubes in a combo? or does it depend on the cab design, size of tube. I am wondering if the resonant frequency of any given tube is predictable.
--
Simon Allaway - veteran Marshall 2204 owner
My newbie tube amp blog http://hotbottles.wordpress.com/

Offline Searing

  • Level 2
  • **
  • Posts: 285
  • All's well that sounds well
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Power tubes rattle in the combo
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2010, 02:03:13 pm »
I had the same problem with my Twin loaded with Phillips 7581A's.  Couldn't really hear it at gigs or practice though, but it did drive me nuts for a bit.  Switched recently to JJ 6L6's and it was gone.  The 7581's were great just rattley and or microphonic.  So it does occur with other tube makes.

Chris

Offline phsyconoodler

  • SMG
  • Level 4
  • *****
  • Posts: 4679
  • honey badger don't give a ****
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Power tubes rattle in the combo
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2010, 02:20:25 pm »
Or a vibration shield between the speaker and the tubes.Something that doesn't vibrate itself.I would use something like what a guy on e-Bay used to sell for Peavey Classic 30 amps.It's a tube retainer that clamps the tubes.
  Or you could use individual tube clamps with heat-proof linings like Tone-King amps and Badcat amps use.It makes it a pain to change tubes but ensures that they don't rattle at all.
Honey badger don't give a ****

 


Choose a link from the
Hoffman Amplifiers parts catalog
Mobile Device
Catalog Link
Yard Sale
Discontinued
Misc. Hardware
What's New Board Building
 Parts
Amp trim
Handles
Lamps
Diodes
Hoffman Turret
 Boards
Channel
Switching
Resistors Fender Eyelet
 Boards
Screws/Nuts
Washers
Jacks/Plugs
Connectors
Misc Eyelet
Boards
Tools
Capacitors Custom Boards
Tubes
Valves
Pots
Knobs
Fuses/Cords Chassis
Tube
Sockets
Switches Wire
Cable


Handy Links
Tube Amp Library
Tube Amp
Schematics library
Design a custom Eyelet or
Turret Board
DIY Layout Creator
File analyzer program
DIY Layout Creator
File library
Transformer Wiring
Diagrams
Hoffmanamps
Facebook page
Hoffman Amplifiers
Discount Program


password