I will be relocating some tube based amps soon. Since I'm doing the packing and driving (about an hour and 15 minutes) any thoughts on just leaving the tubes intact and packing carefully so the units cannot shift. After unpacking just check to make the tubes are still properly seated. The amps are not auto biased so having the right tube in the correct socket matters. Yes I'm just being lazy and would rather not pull the tubes and mark etc.... Thanks
Pull the tubes. Move the amp. Clean the pins and sockets. Reinstall. Clean all connections- speaker binding posts, RCAs. Look at it as the excuse to do something that probably needed doing anyway.
If you are moving it yourself, and presumably being careful, there is no problem with leaving the tubes in the amp. Removal is a precaution when the amps will be in the hands of uncaring strangers; that kind of handling can be brutal--dropped boxes, boxes that are turned upside down, etc. I bet that makes the move just a little bit less of a hassle.
I'm looking at the same thing in a month moving my tube preamp.
Mick from Supratek who made the preamp said he ships them with tubes installed, that's the best give and take. Plan to put it on the car seat, blanket carefully draped around the tubes, anywave, just my thinking.
I should have left the "lazy" part and I am sincerely sorry for stating that and then starting a thread about it!!! My plan was to pack them in their original boxes with some type of material (bubble wrap, peanuts etc) to prevent any movement, put in my car and drive judicially. Obviously if I get hit by a truck the last thing I'm going to be worried about is a tube amp. Thanks
I've moved tube HiFi gear (tubes installed) 100's of times in cars and vans (for short distances) without mishap.
These were mainly Dynaco ST70's and MC30's being used as PA amps.
Same goes with tube guitar amps.
However, when doing so for long distances (Des Moines to Los Angeles) the power amps always needed to be re-biased.
Not certain I would still do so in the Los Angeles area due to the high % of BAD drivers and the need to lock ones brakes and/or take evasive manuevers.
Remember, there are thousands of tube guitar amps in use all over the globe, shipped everywhere, ruthlessly dragged into clubs and rehearsal spaces often against their will, dropped from loading ramps like my 70s Twin Reverb (saved by its Anvil case), knocked over by bar fights, roadies, angry girlfriends, angry boyfriends, large dogs, etc., and driven for days in the trunks of cars barely protected by a flimsy vinyl cover (the amps not the cars). Take your amps on an hour and a half drive? No problemo.
Travel with them in the amp. My experience is they should be re-biased when you get to the new location. Over time tubes settle in an expansion-contraction pattern when you switch them on and off and rattling them during the move disturbs that slightly. Some lint inside the tube structure might dislodge and cause the tube to operate with slightly different bias settings. For guitar amps the tubes have settled into their life with the angry musician and their partner and don't need as much attention.
@wolf_garcia you forgot the inevitable beer spilled on the amp as well... they aren’t that fragile...
However, Miller is right about cleaning all of your connections. That can make a significant difference if it’s never been done. All metal surfaces will eventually corrode to some degree, which can really make a difference in SQ...
Some tube amps come new in box with tubes installed, like my Line Magnetic for example… As long as you rap them carefully, with cage installed, they should be fine
What a load. There are zero issues with transporting your
tube amps in the car for an hour or so. (Any defensive/evasive driving maneuvers
excluded.) As a precaution, after you have them located/placed in their new
environment it wouldn’t hurt to check that all of the tubes are firmly seated.
Don’t forget to crack the window so your amps get some fresh
air and enjoy the ride.
I have to admit after that first troll like response which again caused me to remember why I generally never post on forums the rest have been useful and humorous as well thanks to all ! We all need a smile at the moment !
I've already rolled the tubes so I have all the boxes labeled and marked amp serial number position etc. This is just what I'm trying to avoid for this short move. Plus I always feel every time you handle a tube the chance for the whoops moment. ...
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