NAD ruined :-(
So I was excited to receive my new Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 Combo (older version, which is new, ie: not used) this morning. However on switching it on I am instantly aware of a Fluffy type background noise, sort of fluffy, crackling noise.
I looked at the Power Tubes on the back and one of them seems to have a very noticable blue tinge to it, more so than the other one which seems to mostly glow orange. I can't see the preamp tubes. The amp sounds nice tonewise but if you turn it up even slightly you instantly notice this background noise. I followed the procedure on switching on correctly with the stand by etc.
Totally pissed off, I could do without the hassle of having to return this amp. I was also promised by the shop (Steven James Guitars) that their amp tech would check it out before it left, this is unlikely as no amp tech on the planet would not notice this. They also assured me the amp was in pristine condition, erm, no it's not. Could this have happened in transit?
Could do with a diagnosis and I will now have to ring the shop, I may have to return it or maybe they could knock some more money off if it needs re tubing, but there may be other lurking issues I don't know about. So returning may be the only option.
Thanks for any help.
Only a Fool Would Say That.
Comments
If the noise doesn't occur until you turn the volume up, it's coming from the preamp not the power amp. Which controls affect it, either volume- or tone-wise? All, or just (for example) the Output Level?
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
In my experience Mesas seem to sound best when fitted with Mesa valves - no doubt because they test them to be within a certain performance 'range' - other brands seem hit and miss - though they probably came from the same supplier.
Rather than return the amp I would e-mail the dealer a photo of the valve and ask them to send you a replacement pair to see if it cures the problem.
I have recently completely revalved my Lonestar Special and its transformed its sound.
Incidentally I bought them on Amazon - the order was fulfilled by Hotrox - at a lower price than advertised on their own website and with free delivery.
You shouldn't be paying out any money at all in this instance though.
Sorry to hear it's spoiled the experience. It should be easily fixable though.
All the best,
KK
It probably won't be the cause, but you need to eliminate it first, especially if the seller is convinced it was fine when it left them.
Westside Distribution do have a service engineer, although they also contract out more complex repairs.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
It will be absolutely fine once it's fixed.
I've spoken to Westside before and their tech guys seem knowledgeable. Whether they have an in-house engineer or contract out, you should be in good hands.
There's a really good guy called *Peter (Finnish chap) at Westside shop on Denmark St in London. A chat to him might also help allay your worries and he knows his onions
Keep us posted and all the best
*EDIT:Peter Honoré
If you email them explaining the issue they may send you a replacement 12ax7 just to try, as it's cheaper for them to do that if there's a reasonable chance it'll fix it than to ship an amp there and back
It's as well to get familiar with the process of changing dead valves in your new Mesa (congrats btw) so that it if happens at a rehearsal or gig you can at least replace it during the break or whatever and carry on using the amp rather than mothball it till you can get it to the shop.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein