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AUDIO FORUMS >> TROUBLESHOOTING >> Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
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Message started by prtuc2 on 09/15/25 at 18:05:24

Title: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by prtuc2 on 09/15/25 at 18:05:24

There has been occasionally a crackling/popping noise coming out from my right speaker. When swap to a different amplifier the right channel speaker does not have the same problem, so I conclude it is likely to be a tube.

Is there any way to test which tube is defective? I don't own any tube tester, but I do have a multimeter at home.

Thanks for any inputs.

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by Donnie on 09/15/25 at 19:20:57

Swap tubes between sides one at a time, when the noise changes sides the last tube is your culprit.

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by prtuc2 on 09/16/25 at 16:38:18

Thanks for the input Donnie, I will give it a try.

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by prtuc2 on 09/28/25 at 18:22:48

After days of trial and error, finally found it was a EL34 tube. Now the question is, can I just replaced one of the tube or need to be all of them at once? And do I need matching pairs?

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by CAJames on 09/28/25 at 19:02:07

At a minimum you need matched pairs so you should replace both on the side where the tube was bad. But if one goes the others probably are close behind so ideally you’d replace all four of them.

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by prtuc2 on 10/07/25 at 15:41:59

Four new Gold Lion KT66 installed, should be bias meter fluctuate near the middle of the meter? Mine is closer to the 200 mark which is off center.

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by Coqui on 10/07/25 at 16:46:04

Hello,

I had the same issue with my ToriiMK5 a few months ago. I replaced every single tube until I finally found it was the EL34, which I replaced with 4 new JJEL34.

I'm curious to hear from you if you hear a difference in sound with the new KT66. I'm thinking of changing the JJEL34 but I'm not sure if I should change them for KT66 or Sophia Electric EL34. I have an SE84UFo and I would like replicate some of the sweetness I hear in this little amp in my ToriiMK5.

Thanks,

Ramón

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by HockessinKid on 10/08/25 at 11:35:18

A number of Decware Torii and Mystery amplifier owners have really enjoyed using Sensor Gold Lion KT77 quads which provide a very immersive listening experience. Also if your speakers sound a bit bass shy, a quad of Tungsol 7581 or 7027A tubes might be helpful.

The wonderful thing about Decware amps is that by changing tubes you can find a flavor combination to suit your listening preference. Check out the tube rolling threads for more detailed insights and enjoy the journey.

HK

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by Coqui on 10/08/25 at 15:17:51

Thanks for the tips HK. I will look into these tube options.

Ramón

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by prtuc2 on 10/08/25 at 15:34:08

Check in with Steve as he said 200mAh is within specification, 50mAh per tube. As for the KT66 tubes I just put them in yesterday, probably need at least 50 hours burn-in time I will report back in 2 weeks just to let it get some proper time.

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by Coqui on 10/08/25 at 16:33:42

Glad to hear that your new tubes measurements are within specs. Looking forward to your impressions of your new tubes!

Thanks,

Ramón

Title: Re: Tor ii MK5 Right Channel Crackling/Popping Noise
Post by prtuc2 on 10/23/25 at 18:15:41

Just reporting back for some Gold Lion KT66 vs stock EL34 tube. I didn't have any decibels meter to measure the volume, it did appears the KT66 sounded louder at the same volume setting.

The clarity seems like be improved on the KT66 as some details are easier to identify, depends on the track some tracks are more noticeable than other.
Definitely more lively presentation, the stock EL34 is darker than I would like. Not sure if that is due to the higher volume that gave me the perception.
Speed is probably better because I got the feeling I heard music separation slightly better as well.
The more surprise aspect is the bass is quite a bit deeper on the KT66 than the EL34, not only you can hear the bass the rumbling of the lower end is much more apparent on the KT66.

I haven't test other tubes yet, seems like a good balance tube choice nothing in extreme in any spectrum.