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Tube and Tube Socket Cleaning

I have a pair of RT 12AU7's of which one of them is noisy when powered up. I have switched it from side to side in my pre-amp (CJ PV10A) and the noise follows. I sprayed a great deal of compressed air into the tube socket and around the prongs of the problem tube and this has diminished the noise greatly, but not completely. I spoke with the dealer and he advised me to take a fingernail file and gently file the prongs on the problem tube. Any thoughts on this???
He also mentioned that there were tube socket cleaning kits available. Has anyone had any experience with these or can anyone recommend one?

Thanks!!!

Brad Day
Atlanta, GA

PS My searches on Audiogon for this information did not turn up any matches.
bday0000
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Dekay that's called Crocus cloth: found at better hardware stores. I wouldn't be without it myself; great for burnishing.
bday0000 OP
266 posts
 
The type of noise was static-like.

I'll try the Kontak and see how it goes.

Thanks, y'all!!!!

Brad
lak's avatar
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lak
3,516 posts
 
I also use Kontak on a regular basis to clean all connections. Kontak can be ordered from http://www.gcaudio.com/ Perhaps the tubes need replaced? When you switched them, did the static change sides?
gregm
3,021 posts
 
bday: DON'T use nail-files, Crocus or extremely light sandpaper will do. You can use thin pipe cleaner for the sockets! "Detergents"-wise Kontak or Cramolin have worked for me...
bday0000 OP
266 posts
 
Lak wrote: Perhaps the tubes need replaced? When you switched them, did the static change sides?

Yes, it did change sides. However, I thought that maybe this one tube was exposing a problem my pre-amp was experiencing on both sides. The pre-amp (CJ PV10A)is about 10 years old so it (really, really) needs to be cleaned up anyway. The tubes I installed are new.

Thanks, all!!!!

Brad
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