A tube failure, i.e. it stops functioning, can:
1) Stop sound in the channel it is assigned to. Both channels if it works in both channels. A small tube will usually stop the sound from one channel and will usually go out quietly. A power tube can go out quietly by will more often go out with a 'pop' and/or an electric light show in the tube or a reddening of the tube plates. If a power tube goes out with a pop it will often take out a fuse or a resistor in the bias circuit.
2) A partial failure in a small tube can produce a 'snap/crackle/pop' (this could also be produced by poor contact with the poins and tube sockets).
3) Sonic degredation which is most easily determined by simply having a set of replacement tubes on hand for emergencies in any event and substituting these tube for a few days and see if you can hear any meaningful improvement.
4) All manner of gremlins associated with any audio equipment (but usually easier to fix with tube stuff).
Learn to relax and enjoy your new toy! :-)
1) Stop sound in the channel it is assigned to. Both channels if it works in both channels. A small tube will usually stop the sound from one channel and will usually go out quietly. A power tube can go out quietly by will more often go out with a 'pop' and/or an electric light show in the tube or a reddening of the tube plates. If a power tube goes out with a pop it will often take out a fuse or a resistor in the bias circuit.
2) A partial failure in a small tube can produce a 'snap/crackle/pop' (this could also be produced by poor contact with the poins and tube sockets).
3) Sonic degredation which is most easily determined by simply having a set of replacement tubes on hand for emergencies in any event and substituting these tube for a few days and see if you can hear any meaningful improvement.
4) All manner of gremlins associated with any audio equipment (but usually easier to fix with tube stuff).
Learn to relax and enjoy your new toy! :-)