Valve amp problem

[mentalextra]

My old valve amp is suffering from fading sound after about 10-15 mins, Does this sound terminal?

Thanks

[steve-soar]

What amp, how old, when last serviced, more info please.

[JapanAxe]

There isn't much in an old valve amp that can result in a 'terminal' failure. Probably the hardest (and most expensive) things to replace would be the mains transformer and output transformer. Most common fails are old capacitors (they dry out, or the oil leaks out), the valves themselves, and resistors that get fried when something else goes. The other good news is that old valve amp construction methods (point-to-point wiring) make for easy servicing compared to the nightmare that is PCBs.

[mentalextra]

Are these old amps worth getting repaired. Is it financially viable. I like the old thing, but its only a practice amp. My only experience is of HiFi type electronic repairs which can get expensive quickly, are there still experts in valve technology! I do feel lik'e betamax man'!

[Mr. Foxen]

I've found repairing old valve amps sufficiently viable enough its my main source of income after investments.

[umph]

[quote name='mentalextra' timestamp='1349199356' post='1823213']
My old valve amp is suffering from fading sound after about 10-15 mins, Does this sound terminal?

Thanks
[/quote]

does it fade to nothing? This will either be the b+ being cut or the output transformer.

[mentalextra]

OK thanks

[JapanAxe]

There's always a healthy second-hand market in used valve amps, even faulty ones. A faulty Orange Tiny Terror (guitar head, not bass) just sold on eBay for £215! So even if you don't have it looked at or fixed, don't ditch it.

What is it anyway? Make/model? Head/combo? Approx age? Impossible to say more without knowing a few facts!