Do failing tubes give off burning smell?

Tubes do not smell even if seriously overheated.

But their associated parts can burn and that's what you've been smelling.

I would be very doubtful about just replacing the suspect bad tube, it's very possible something else is the cause of the lack of correct bias, and fitting a new tube could just damage this new tube. I would get the amp to a good tech for a look before causing more problems, and perhaps costing even more $$

Regards, Allen (Vacuum State)

Also...if there is dust on the tube (easy to have after a few months of service) the dust will burn giving off that smell.

Thanks guys for your prompt comments.
Looks like I had bought myself some problem amps and lots of trouble. As a recent buyer, I didn't expect a trip to the tech doctor so soon.
Is there any other test I could do? I was thinking of swapping tubes on the same monoblock to see if the bias is stable, but I am actually afraid to turn the amps on. Things may go from bad to worse. Any advice? Thanks.

Most likely what is burning is a resistor due to over current. In general I suggest a trip to the local stereo repair house that specializes in audio repair. Here in Dublin CA we have the Stereo Doctor. They are good and do all of my repairs when I don't have the time or inclination to do it myself.

Be advised, if it is a tube that is causing something inside the amp to burn, then swapping tubes will cause the other channel to burn! I suggest you simply purchase some new tubes and give that a try. If you don't need them now you will need them eventually, so the money is not wasted.

If it really was a resistor starting to smoke, then a short burn (seconds) may not have hurt anything other than cosmetics. Extended burning, for say several minute(s), may permanently damage the part.

Another possibility for burning is some previous owner put some damping rings or compound on the tubes to squish microphonics and that is what you are smelling. If that is the case, then the odor is no big deal. I would just remove the rings or compound and clean the tubes. As mentioned above, the dust that collects on tubes may smell a bit as it burns off. This is also a no big deal.

The fact you can't adjust the bias properly does indicate a problem with either the tube or the associated circuitry, though. Most likely that is the source of what you are smelling and it is the first place I would look for problems. If something was really damaged from over heat, then you should be able to see it.

Thanks Spatialking for the clear explanation.

I would try swapping the tubes left/right.

This will show if its the tube that won't bias, or the amp can't be set correctly.

John C.

Hi Hotsauce, I swapped the left/right tubes today and noticed that the lower bias reading switched sides. I would conclude that the tube is failing and won't bias.