2. amps-preamps
  3. 1208404875

Tube smell?

Some 5687 tubes I just installed have a mild but definite
burning-rubber odor. It's not extreme, but it is there
if you sniff around them (and I can also detect it around
the room). Has anyone ever had this? Could it be something
oxidizing because they are newly installed?

It's a bit hard to tell, but it seems to be all 4 of them,
not just one.

The tubes work fine, but look brighter than
my old cheaper 5687s. They sound absolutely great,
nice and smooth and mellow.

It's not the amp, as the old tubes don't smell.

Thanks for any help.
rgs92
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,577 posts
 
There was probably something deposited on the glass. I have seen this with NOS tubes many times. If I were you I would pull the tubes and wash them carefully so that the glass is squeaky clean. Use only the slightest amount of dish soap. Avoid getting water on the base.

Dry the tubes carefully before reinserting them in the amp!

Its a good idea to clean the envelopes in this way at least once every year. Dust and fingerprints (and smelly rubber contaminants) will shorten the life of the tube due to heat. The tubes will get rid of their heat most effectively if the envelopes are clean.
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Hey Atmasphere--Thanks!! I rubbed them with
a damp tissue and it actually worked! There is
now only the slightest aroma very close up.
It may have been just one of the four, but
I cleaned them all. I really appreciate your help.
Now my wife won't complain.
butsy
23 posts
 
tube smell??? I LOVE IT!!!!
robr45's avatar
robr45
319 posts
 
Me too.

The Baby amp from Sophia has a really cool smell. I have had 3-4 different ones over the years and they all smell the same.

Charm of tubes...
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
My tubes don't smell, something's wrong...wahhhhhhh!
More to discover