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Post by jet225 on Aug 19, 2012 18:38:24 GMT -7
Hello all, I'm new here and just purchased a used Z Wreck about 3 months ago. Let me start by stating the obvious, I love this amp!
With that being said what kind of life expectancy should I be getting out the premium 7189 tubes? The tubes that came with the amp lasted about 2-3 weeks and the V4 position started surging and dying out. After letting the amp cool down and rolling the vol back below 12:00 it would work again but eventually died completely.
Then I ordered the recommended Premium 7189's and all was well for about 3 weeks and then it started all over again. It works as long as I keep the vol below 1:00 but will surge and die out with anything above that.
Also tried the Sovtek 7189's and the Wreck wouldn't hear of it and immediately surged and shut down even at low volumes, so those tubes are a no go.
Are these amps that fickle and hard on tubes? I'm using a Z-Brake and like to push the gain at times and turn it up to 3:00.
I did contact Dr Z and they suggested shipping it back, but before doing so I wanted hear from other users and find out what kind of life they're getting from their tubes.
Thanks, Mike
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Post by jlc on Aug 19, 2012 20:49:14 GMT -7
Welcome, i don't own one, many other tube amps, but i am sure it does not eat tubes, something else is going on. i would ship it back, get a great check up and then depending on how much you play you will probably get 6 months to a year or more on your power tubes.
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bigbean
Junior Member
Home on the Range
Posts: 79
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Post by bigbean on Aug 19, 2012 21:32:53 GMT -7
My Z wreck is not tuff on tubes. It runs cool for a high performance tube amp. Not like another amp I own who I will not name (but the initials are M.E.S.A) that runs hot as a firecracker eats tubes like I eat french fries.
Even the best tubes have sketchy quality (one theory is not enough time in the vacuum chamber) but you could have another problem causing the tubes to fail.
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Post by markT on Aug 20, 2012 4:17:20 GMT -7
Big Congrats on one great amp! Enjoy~
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Post by doctorice on Aug 20, 2012 6:50:56 GMT -7
Congrats on your new amp.
Mine does not eat tubes. A factory checkup is worth it. Dr Z has outstanding customer service, whether one bought a new or used amp.
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Post by Sean on Aug 20, 2012 11:44:01 GMT -7
Probably worth the shipping cost...gonna spend that in tubes pretty soon. (reminds me of my old vw bugs - a quart of oil was cheap though so I could put off service for awhile....!)
You could just sent the chassis to save on shipping if you wrap it up well.
It is a great amp and best to have it working up to par and not question stuff!
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Post by jammers5 on Aug 20, 2012 12:00:17 GMT -7
I've owned one for over a year, never had to look at the Tubes yet, I would estimate 75-100 hours on it.
J5
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Post by zigzagman on Aug 20, 2012 14:07:02 GMT -7
A friend of mine had a new amp - different maker - but a high end boutique amp that kept eating tubes. It turned out to be a wiring glitch at the speaker out jack on the back of the amp. Simple fix.
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Post by jet225 on Aug 20, 2012 14:47:39 GMT -7
Thanks for all of the replys, much appreciated you guys are on it! Boxed up and ready to ship out tomorrow, I'll give an update when I get it back.
Thanks again!
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