PS-100 gets hot quick, popping noises

Stage & Studio Power Station PS-100
1

Hey all. Looking for some help troubleshooting my PS-100. The last couple times I’ve tried playing it, it’s been getting searing hot to the touch after only a few minutes of playing, and this is accompanied by loud popping noises as soon as it is switched from “bypass” to “operate.” Can confirm the fan powers up as soon as the PS is powered up and continues to run as normal.

This is with a Super Reverb playing around volume 4-5, so it shouldn’t be especially heavy lifting for it.

I’ve plugged right into the amp, no popping sounds - no issues there.

Last time I had this in for any service was 2021 judging by my records - looks like a bad bypass switch was replaced, 1 12DW7 tube replaced, and a few resistors.

Any suggestions on where to start?

Thank you!

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Hello @calcheyup and welcome to the forum!

Judging by the time since last service and the symptoms, I would suspect the power tubes are red plating or if not, they need replacing. Can you confirm the fan is running? This can be another reason for overheating. Any matched pair of 6550s will be fine. I would start there, as your 12DW7 seems to be newer than the power tubes.

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Hey Dan,

Yes, the fan is running no problem, and there’s nothing on top of it or anything like that to keep the heat in, but it still is getting burning hot to the touch after just a couple minutes of playing with a 40w amp on volume 4ish.

I’ll acquire some new tubes when I have the chance and report back. Thanks!

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