2. amps-preamps
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Paranoid on Tube Amp Install

Can speakers cause a tube amp to catch fire? The last tube amp in my system 3 years ago caught fire (just 2 minutes after installing). I always assumed the amp was damaged in shipping. I just ordered another tube amp and I'm both excited and nervous about installing. The speakers are Acoustat 3300 electrostatics and I've been using ss amps since without issue. I really don't want to sit in my chair again, frozen in shock, as I watch a blue flame.

Thanks for any feedback,

Glenn
simmonsg
rleff
1,065 posts
 
I agree with Swampwalker I was always under the impression to never power on a tube amp without a load;anyone know for sure or are there ones in which you can run unloaded?
semi
649 posts
 
Agree with Swampwalker, you most likely will need a load before powering up your tube amp.

You can buy a high power resistor to be used as a dummy load if you don't want to connect your speakers to the amp during biasing.
apachef1
164 posts
 
You can power a tube amp without a load but once you send a signal from the preamp to the unloaded tube amp say bye bye to the amplifiers power transformers. As everyone has stated dont power up a tube amplifier without load as a rule
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