Left channel fading in and out


As I was listening to records last night I noticed the left channel started to fade in and out, not completely, but audibly. No distortion, just slight fade-out for about a second at a random pattern. At first I thought it was the new used record I bought and was listening to for the first time, but it continued when I switched to another record I was familiar with and didn't remember having this issue. What could cause this?

I have a solid state phono preamp, tube line stage, and tube monoblocks. Could it be the speaker? A failing tube? Problem with one of the interconnects? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
actusreus

Showing 2 responses by bifwynne

Actusreus, everything Al said -- try. Got a funny feeling though you've got a weak or failing tube. Nevertheless, follow Al advice. Please let us know how your detective work fares.

Good luck.
Actsreus, I still think whatever Al says is good advice. But try this short cut. Switch speaker cables left/right. See if the fading problems moves. If not, in some goofy way I do not understand, it could be the speakers. If yes, moving downstream, check the bias of the power tubes on your amp. Btw, how many hours on the tubes? If your pushing to the outer edge of the envelope on tube life span, I'd be looking to retube regardless. After these quick checks, back to what the folks above said.

Any problems I've had with my gear -- which have been few -- were tube related.