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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZP3 / ZMC1,2,3 >> Input sockets dead
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Message started by Jeff of Arabica on 01/04/17 at 02:09:28

Title: Input sockets dead
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 01/04/17 at 02:09:28

I have a brand new ZP3 and am having issues with my input tube sockets. At first the front 12AX7 tube blew. The silver coating at the top of the tube turned to a white powder. I ordered a new set of tubes and now I am getting no power to either of the input tube sockets. I tested the new tubes on another amp and they work fine. Also, the ZP3 is getting power as all other tubes are glowing except the two input tubes.

Any ideas? I already emailed tech but thought I would see if anyone else has experienced a problem such as this.

Title: Re: Input sockets dead
Post by hdrider on 01/04/17 at 21:29:46

Jeff- Sorry to hear about the headaches your having. I have never had a problem with my ZP3 so I can't be much help. I would reach out to Steve (assuming you got it from Decware) and if you didn't I would spend the money to have Decware bench it and transfer the warranty. Just my opinion bro, Chris.

Title: Re: Input sockets dead
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 01/04/17 at 21:49:13

Thanks Chris. Fortunately I did get it from Decware. I got a message out to Steve so Ill see what he thinks. Figured I would check with others just in case. Strange it is just affecting those two inputs tubes as everything else is getting power. We shall see...

Title: Re: Input sockets dead
Post by Denizen on 01/04/17 at 23:41:27

It sounds as though the bridge rectifier for the tube heaters is fried. The tube rectifier uses a different voltage and a different transformer winding
and the VR tube is a glow tube the voltage from the tube rectifier is what lights it up. I've never seen it happen, but should be an easy fix,unfortunately it will require a trip back to the shop.

Title: Re: Input sockets dead
Post by hdrider on 01/07/17 at 16:11:28

Jeff / Denizen - I know it's kind of a pain in the arse, but sending back to Steve means that he/they will be going over that with a fine tooth comb. I know I would be frustrated but I also know that Steve and team view each one of these products like a child. Keep us posted on the return. Happy listening when it comes, Chris.

Title: Re: Input sockets dead
Post by Jeff of Arabica on 01/10/17 at 00:58:02

ZP3 on its way back to the mother ship! Thanks for the input guys.

Title: Re: Input sockets dead
Post by back2vinyl on 02/06/18 at 01:42:53

Did you get it fixed?

Title: Re: Input sockets dead
Post by Steve Deckert on 02/06/18 at 02:59:12

We'll be curious to see what could cause only the two front tubes not to glow when all three are on the same supply!

One thing that should help a lot of people who are newer to tubes and reading this post, is that any time a tube looses it's silver color and turns powdery white inside it means that the tube has lost it's gas indicating that there is a crack somewhere in the glass. When a tube actually fails during operation it never does that, instead it just turns dark. A common time for a tube to have a catastrophic failure (internal short) is when the glass cracks or breaks.