Can faulty tubes damage a poweramp?

[blackcom]

I have a two channel Mesa Rectifier poweramp fittet with EL-34s. One of the tubes have gone gray and does lot longer light up, it's dead. So now one of the channels of the poweramp work and the other does not.

So, if I continue to play through the poweramp, can it damage the channel with a broken tube in it? The poweramp is connected to a stereo-cabinett.

 

[stokes]

The short answer would be yes,have the amp checked or replace the tubes.I dont have a schematic for that particular amp so I cant comment on what damage can occur,but it would not be advisable to run the amp with a faulty tube.If the tube that is faulty is part of a pair,both should be changed with matching tubes,if it is part of a quad,all 4 should be changed.

 

[domct203]

The short answer would be yes,have the amp checked or replace the tubes.I dont have a schematic for that particular amp so I cant comment on what damage can occur,but it would not be advisable to run the amp with a faulty tube.If the tube that is faulty is part of a pair,both should be changed with matching tubes,if it is part of a quad,all 4 should be changed.

+1

Tubes are alot cheaper than a new power amp. If that tube shorts out, it could take the Output and or Power tranny. Don't risk it.

Dom

 

[Russ]

Stop. Do not play any more. Though you can still use the one side of the stereo amp it is just a matter of time until your other tubes fail also.

Think about this for a second....

What would you rather replace? Tubes or Amp? It is much more cost effective to maintain your amp. Buy new tubes and retube the entire amp. Keep your old tubes as emergency spares.