DLite problems

[G-Dorian]

I have a DLite that is sounding a little harsh, and it doesn't have the bottom end it used to.
When I turned it on yesterday, I didn't have any gain (no distortion). Although the Gain was on, it was clean - until I jiggled the middle preamp tube, then the distortion came back on. I figured part of the problem is the tube socket.

Would a bad tube socket cause the harshness and lack of low end? (This is just on the Gain, not the clean.)

[ampgeek]

Interesting.

Since the OD tube is switched in and out in series with the CL tube, I would expect a "disabled" tube (e.g., due to a bad tube socket) to produce no sound as opposed to clean sound as you report.

How are you switching? Panel switch or relay system? Jiggling the tube may have caused the switching mechanism to engage.

I am not sure about how a questionable tube socket might effect tone. Sorry.

Dave O.

[G-Dorian]

The DLite doesn't have a footswitch, so I have to switch it on the front panel.

The clean channel seems to be fine. Like I said, when I turned it on, I didn't have OD (it was clean only) until I jiggled the middle preamp tube, then the OD came back on.

[brownnote]

I'd scrutinize the wiring on V2, re-flow the solder connections to the pins, and sub a new tube if the symptoms persist.

[G-Dorian]

Thanks, Moss. I didn't put it together. Norm did.
I tried a new tube, and that didn't change anything. I'll check all the wiring and soldering.

[stelligan]

What brownnote said. Also, it's very easy to overheat those front panel switches when soldering them. You said that wiggling the middle preamp tube sometimes fixes the problem? Try wiggling the switch - or just the chassis. You may just have a bad or cold connection - or an overheated switch.

[G-Dorian]

But would that also cause the harshness and lack of bottom end?

[mlp-mx6]

But would that also cause the harshness and lack of bottom end?

Maybe. It is clear from what you have said that there is a problem on that tube socket. Fix one thing at a time and you will KNOW what the problem was, and what was done to fix it. Take care of that socket, then report back, especially if there is still a problem.

[G-Dorian]

OK. Thanks!

[G-Dorian]

I'd scrutinize the wiring on V2, re-flow the solder connections to the pins, and sub a new tube if the symptoms persist.

I re-did some soldering joints and swapped out a new tube in the V2. "Better," but there's still a little harshness. It's not horrible, but something just isn't right. I don't know how to describe it. It's like the texture of some notes sound . . . flabby?? Does that make sense?
But it's a harsh flabbiness.

Anyway, I'll keep going over things.

Thanks for everyone's help . .

[brownnote]

Thanks, Moss. I didn't put it together. Norm did.
I tried a new tube, and that didn't change anything. I'll check all the wiring and soldering.

oooohh OK, is it the #1 prototype amp?

[G-Dorian]

That would be the one. I had emailed Norm a few days ago and didn't get a reply . . until just now. (He was out of town.) He's willing to take a look, so I'll have him see if he can find something.

Thanks!

[kleinm]

That would be the one. I had emailed Norm a few days ago and didn't get a reply . . until just now. (He was out of town.) He's willing to take a look, so I'll have him see if he can find something.

Thanks!

Awesome! Hopefully you two will get down to the heart of it. Keep me posted.

[ampdork]

DC leakage offsetting next stage bias?
Something off at the tubes cathodes?
Funky socket?

[G-Dorian]

Awesome! Hopefully you two will get down to the heart of it. Keep me posted.

Will do, Michael . .