Bifwynne:
Tube failure or arcing (flare up) happens in nearly all cases when the amp is first turned on from cold. This is because the HT comes onto a cold tube.
One way to rectify it is to get a 30sec delay circuit for the HT, so the heaters have a chance to heat the anodes and cathodes first. If you cannot build one yourself then there are many pre-made ones to insert on the HT rail.
Just Google or look in ebay for "Relay Delay Circuit" Do the math as you have high volts small current to give the relay contact amp rating you need. They can be bought for around $10 ready made. In the case of mono blocks you need two.
Or if this is too much bother, then just have another manual switch which breaks the HT so you can bring it on 30sec later, after the tubes have warmed up.
Cheers George
Tube failure or arcing (flare up) happens in nearly all cases when the amp is first turned on from cold. This is because the HT comes onto a cold tube.
One way to rectify it is to get a 30sec delay circuit for the HT, so the heaters have a chance to heat the anodes and cathodes first. If you cannot build one yourself then there are many pre-made ones to insert on the HT rail.
Just Google or look in ebay for "Relay Delay Circuit" Do the math as you have high volts small current to give the relay contact amp rating you need. They can be bought for around $10 ready made. In the case of mono blocks you need two.
Or if this is too much bother, then just have another manual switch which breaks the HT so you can bring it on 30sec later, after the tubes have warmed up.
Cheers George