Dynaco SCA-35 looking for advice

[Bicyclist]

Just 10 minutes ago I got my sca35 running and I'm here to say they make beautiful music.

 

[slayer44]

Okay...update on this amp...managed to bring it up to full power with variac and no smoke/meltdown. After this, I de-ox'ed all pots and switches and cleaned the tube connections. Plugged in some junk speakers and threw a source at it. Music came through but crackly (no distortion) and left channel def stronger than the right. What is left to diagnose?...not a whole lot of electrolytic caps on this...i noticed some tubes very loose in their sockets. Is this an issue?...also experienced no hum, which is surprising. Any suggestions?

 

[daveshel]

You could start by switching the tubes between channels to. If the issue moves, as in the right channel is now stronger than the left, you know one or more tubes is problematic.

 

[Shadowdog]

Maybe try clean & tighten the tube sockets plus clean the tube pins if needed.

 

[peterh]

Okay...update on this amp...managed to bring it up to full power with variac and no smoke/meltdown. After this, I de-ox'ed all pots and switches and cleaned the tube connections. Plugged in some junk speakers and threw a source at it. Music came through but crackly (no distortion) and left channel def stronger than the right. What is left to diagnose?...not a whole lot of electrolytic caps on this...i noticed some tubes very loose in their sockets. Is this an issue?...also experienced no hum, which is surprising. Any suggestions?

Get the manual and start reading .
Check DC voltages.
Replace EL84 tubes with a new MATCHED set.

 

[slayer44]

Thanks all...will check voltages first and the tube switch is a good idea...will see what I get and report.
By the way, what is a good source for new tubes?

 

[playittwice]

I’ve heard great things about the EL84M’s, Jim McShane is a great resource. These will be my next purchase when I need to replace my tubes in my ST-35.