Stiletto Ace 112 combo problem

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jakeb71

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I've searched the forums and have found similar posts but they all kind of danced around my question and if I've missed the answer to my question I apologize . But here's my situ, just bought this amp used from my local GC a couple of weeks ago it was in almost knew condition with all of the documentation including hang tags. Gigged with it twice, the first time I did not use the effects loop and had no issues but last night I decided to use the effects loop for the solo boost feature and I got the dreaded cutting in and out problem that I've read about on here and it is intermittent. When I put a patch cable in the jacks and engage the loop I don't seem to have the problem. So bad tube or do my jacks just need cleaning? By the way this amp freakin' rocks otherwise. I was iffy on it at first because of the brittle highs I got when I set the eq with my eyes but when I set it with my ears and let go of my instinct to have everything at 12 o'clock ...wow it's an amazingly toneful amp.
 
Check V3. That's the 12AX7 pre-amp tube in the middle of the row.
If it says "Russian" anywhere, replace it.
 
I second MrMarkIII's suggestion. V3 and V4 are cathode followers. We need durable tubes in those positions.
 
Great advise in this thread. Let me add:

Tubes to avoid in Cathide Follower use:
Anything marketed by New Sensor Corp., which includes Sovtek (Mesa "Russian-1"), Electro Harmonix (Mesa "Russian-2"), Tung-Sol reissue, & Mullard Reissue.

Tubes proven reliable in Cathode Folliwer use:
JJ, any Chinese (Shuguang / Penta, Mesa "Chinese"), and just about any NOS/VOS.

IMO JJ 6CA7's sound wonderful in these amps, with the JJ E34L my second favorite (vs =C=, EH & Mesa). This is funny for me because I do not like JJ powertubes in any of my other amps, but they are a perfect fit for my Deuce. The 6CA7's retain all the character of the amp, adding a nice full bottom.

Dom
 
Ok. I checked the tubes and it looks like I have all Mesa Chinese tubes. I have also cleaned the effects loop jacks by putting electrical cleaner on a patch cable and plugging it in and out of the jacks. So far no cutting out to speak of. But the amp is squeaking a little when I switch it to stand by mode. It wasn't doing it before I was poking around with the tubes but when I'm using the amp it is nice and quiet. Hope I didn't mess anything up.
 
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