JADIS DEFY 7 SPIT SPUTTER

Regrettably, there are many possible sources. Though the sound is usually indicative of a faulty tube, I've had dirty/poor contacts on tube sockets also produce a similar sound. Rereading your post, did you try swapping the output tubes and then rebiasing? Goodluck.

Jctubes is right, it could be one of a number of things. If it consistently occurs after warmup, it sounds like it could be thermally related. I had a similar problem with my JP80; it was a bad resistor. More likely, it could also be a bad capacitor. After they reach a certain temperature, they start to sputter and sound like they're sizzling when they go bad. These things sometimes are tough to track down, as the effect may only be noticable in a narrow temperature band. I'd suggest you find a good repair facility or contact Jadis if it's still under warranty.

If you have to contact the local Jadis distributor for repair, be forewarned... When I purchased my Defy 7 Mk III used and I called just to get some additional info on the Defy 7, he was trying to convince me that within a few months I would have to spend a few thousand dollars to fix the power transformer (he quoted $2.5K to replace it... yeah right, on an amp at the time that retailed for $4500). Instead of buying the used Mk III that he claimed was a piece of junk, I should buy a Mk IV direct from him instead (for a few $K more nonetheless). When I told him I didn't want to spend the money, he hung up the phone on me. Needless to say, several years later it is still running like a champ. I know the distribution company is the same group but I don't know if the person I spoke with (who was the President of the company at the time) is still the person in charge. Anyone else have a positive experience with the distributor? My suggestion is just make sure you don't get screwed when you get it fixed.

Thanks for all the advice. I did swap power tubes as JCB TUBES RECOMMENDED, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. I also had a negative experience when dealing with Northstar, the importer of Jadis equipment. I will absolutley not send my amp to them. Any suggestions on a knowledgeable technician in the New York area?

Yes. Mike O'Keefe at Audio Outlet has a technician in upper Westchester or Dutchess County that he has referred his customers who own Jadis to, including me. He wasn't able to find the problem with my JP80, but that unit is highly modified and it took Andy Bouwman, the guy who did the mods, over 4 months of constant testing to find the problem, so I cannot fault him at all. If you call Audio Outlet, they may be able to help. I may also have the tech's number at my office, if I'm lucky enough to dig it up, but don't count on it....