How to Remove Power Tubes on an Amplifier
Some amplifiers are made with tubes inside. Sounds vibrate off the tubes to produce a louder sound and create the amplification. When these tubes have been used for a long time, they can bust or break and stop working. Old tubes need to be removed so they can be replaced with new ones.
- Unplug the amplifier. This ensures that you do not get shocked or cross any wire, which could cause a short while you are removing the tubes.
- Remove the access panel from the front or back of the amplifier. It may snap off, or you may need to remove bolts or screws before you can remove it.
- Remove the tubes one by one. If you are removing pre-amp tubes, you need to remove only the tube that is bad. If you have a bad power tube, you will need to remove all the tubes as a set. The tubes should easily slide out of the amplifier. Some may need to be wiggled or twisted before they can be removed.
- Replace the tube or tube sets with new tubes and replace the access panel.
- Turn on the amplifier in the standby mode and allow it to heat up. Look inside the amplifier to make sure all the tubes are glowing. Any tubes that are not glowing are not working properly and need to be replaced or adjusted.
- Allow the amplifier to play on a low volume setting while the tubes adjust to the system. Keep an eye on the tubes during this time to make sure they are still glowing and working properly.