The Variac method doesn't work so well if the unit has a tube rectifier. The tube rectifier won't really conduct until the filament voltage gets close to specification. This point will be somewhere around 75-80 volts AC input. At this point you put about 60% of the B+ voltage on the caps. Better than full voltage, though.
Smoke coming from transformer means........anyone?
Found an old tube rcv. turned it on and it started to smoke. I noiced the transformer was extremely warm. Will I cause any more damage turning it on? Shiould I replaced the transformer or junk it? Anyone able to help me?