Tube hiss - any idea what's causing it?


I own an Eastern Electric M520 integrated amp that I am very fond of. However, recently I have noticed that there is a great deal of rather disturbing hiss eminating from my Omega XRS speakers once I power the unit up. The hiss does not increase when the volume is turned up. It's always there and very noticable during quiet passages. It's definitely a hiss and not a hum.

I checked the tubes and noticed that when I touch or slightly jiggle the front EF86 tubes, the hiss gets louder/softer when they are moved. Could it be that these tubes are going already? I do not have many hours on them. Maybe 100 at best. Should I consider replacing them or perhaps checking the other tubes too - perhaps the 5 AR4 rectifier tubes? I doubt it's the power tubes.

Do you have any thoughts/recommendations for me at this point. I am not sure how to proceed. As always, thanks for your time.
jpstereo

Showing 3 responses by jpstereo

The XRS are great and Louis is a wonderful person to deal with. My highest recommendation!
I switched all the driver tubes around L-R and I still have the hiss. Getting some new EF86s and we'll see what happens. Not sure what my options are if that doesn't work.
I replaced the 12au7s and I still have hiss in both channels. The EF86s are coming next week. If that doesn't clear things up then it's back to the manufacturer for a check up. Perhaps it is the voltage regulator.

Many thanks to all for chiming in on this issue!