Amp sounds
"
spongy
"
or
"
sputtering
"
:
A
"
spongy
"
or
"
sputtering
"
- weak response from your amp can be one of two things. Under
normal operating conditions, this symptomatic sound can be the result of
"
weak
"
power tubes,
i.e.
power tubes that have reached their operational lifespan. You may also notice this symptom
when the volume control and saturation control are completely
"
dimed
"
out 100%, even with
new power tubes. This is a result of
both
the power tubes and output transformer reaching
complete saturation and is part of the circuit design. Backing off each control a small degree
will re-align the signal path.
TUBE REPLACEMENT FOR THE KOMET
19
Before you install your tubes, please read the last paragraph from the section:
TUBE CHOICES
FOR THE KOMET
AMPLIFIER
Unscrew
(in small increments)
the two, back panel insertion screws. Remove the back panel
evenly with two hands. Use the reverse instructions when installing the Komet
19
head back
panel. You will find the tube placement chart on the back panel of you amp. There are four tube
sockets in total. These sockets are miniature nine pin pre amp tube socket types. Follow the
placement of the four tubes by referring to the tube chart. Make sure the amplifier’s tubes have
cooled down sufficiently before handling the amplifier’s tubes.
V1
and
V2
are the 12AX7 pre
amp tubes.
V3
and
V4
are the EL84/6BQ5 power tubes. The tubes are secured to the tube socket
by wire retainers that easily slide back and on each tube.
(
Note
:
we recommend that you replace one tube at a time as not to accidentally entangle each
tube’s wire retainers.
Caution
:
always use a tube glove when handling hot tubes.
Gently install each tube in the correct corresponding tube socket. Please note each tube‘s pin
configuration must be properly and perfectly aligned with the tube socket for installation. Do
not force a tube into its socket. If correctly aligned, it should easily install into the socket.
Note
: both the power and pre amp tubes are secured to the tube sockets by wire retainers that
easily slide back and on each tube
.
We recommend, during a tube replacement, that
you replace
one tube at a time - as to not accidentally entangle the wire retainers.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE KOMET
19 COMBO
The K19 combo,
as with any back panel mount combo
, will be prone to microphonic pre amp
tube problems over time. This is due to the construction and nature of the amplifier mounting.
We recommend, when replacing tubes, purchasing pre-tested
(for microphonics)
pre amp tubes
from a reputable tube dealer.
Copyright 1999-2017, Komet
Amplification. Group, L.L.C. May not be reproduced in any form without express written consent from Komet
Amplification.
