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6H30 tubes ringing in BAT VK-300SE

I have had this issue in nearly every 6H30 tube I have bought for my BAT VK-300xSE integrated. Whenever I switch inputs, or the unit comes out of warm-up mode, or out of mute, I get a high pitched ping followed by a ringing sound out of the speakers.

I have tried 3 different sets of tubes- two pairs of Electro Harmonix gold pins, and one set of Sovteks. Eventually it gets to the point where if I tap on the chassis of the BAT, I get the high pitched ping/ringing out of the speakers. The last new set of EH's I bought, when I pulled them out of the box brand new, and tapped on the side of them with my finger, bingo- it audibly rings in my hand!

It doesn't seem to affect the sound, but none the less, are there any good sources for QUALITY 6H30 tubes? I am not going to pay $300-$400 for a pair of the "New old Stock" DR tubes. I have bought all of the Sovteks and EH's from Music Direct. Maybe they got a whole batch of bad ones?

Please Help!!!
Ag insider logo xs@2xmekong56
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Some tubes sellers will test for microphonics, and that is what you are describing - microphonic tubes, something I have always insisted on for critical phono stage tubes. Have you approached it from that POV. It is not typically provided gratis with a purchase. I've never used 6h30's but I can see no reason why this service would not be available.

FWIW.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Walkertm: My 51SE behaves like your BAT pre. I think this is a "undocumented feature" of either the preamp or just the tube, doesn't effect sound qaulity, and I've never worried about it in the 10 yrs I've owned my 50SE now 51SE...

My guess is the mute relay is close enough that when the relay engages/disengages that mechanical process jiggles the tubes just enough for the pinging sound.

You don't have anything to worry about in my opinion. Save your money on tube rolling and just enjoy that BAT sound, you have a killer integrated amp !
maril555
618 posts
 
That's just a microphony, which is inherent to many types of tubes, and there is little you can do about it, no should you. It doesn't affect the sound, and only happens, when the tube is mechanically "disturbed", when you switch inputs, for instance. This is not a problem, "part of the package".
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mekong56 OP
117 posts
 
Thanks for all of the responses. Good information here. Seems like I have confirmation on what I was suspecting- it is a tube issue, but live with it as it does not seem to affect the sound. I was more concerned with getting feedback from other BAT owners that it is NOT a problem with my integrated.

I do very much enjoy the BAT sound. I guess that it is just more of an annoyance than anything else.
walkertm
20 posts
 
Thanks JFresh hadn't plan on rolling tubes but did consider investing in tube dampers. However was hesitant since I did feel it would be a waist of money. My dealer also warned me that this is a quirk of BAT Pres it is nice to hear that this is normal part of owning BAT gear. Which in my IMHO makes some of the most relaxed and natural sounding preamps out there.
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