Cracking noise Classic 30/advice on replacement

[Ard]

After replacing all tubes and the fuse inside of my Classic 30 it worked fine, at least: for two weeks. Last Sunday during service in church I had to switch the amp off because it started making terrible 'cracking'? noises. Changing from Input to the Return jacket made no difference. Before Switching the power off I noticed that V5 was glowing a lot more than the other power tubes. Turning the amp on again the next day at home everything worked fine again.. Would the tube sockets be the primary suspects?

I love the clean sound of this amp but don't want to have this happen again while playing..
Seeing many threads regarding the lame construction of the Peavey internal hardware changing to another amp comes to mind. Does any of you guys have a suggestion what other amp would sound comparable to the Classic 30? Heard good things about the Ceriatones too, what type would come closest?
FYI: I'm only using the clean channel of this amp with BOSS GT3 into guitar input or into the return with a GT10.

Appreciate your replies!

[Enzo]

My first reaction is that one of your new power tubes is failing.

[Mars Amp Repair]

yep, try moving the tube that was red-plating to another position, test run the amp & see if the red=plating stayed with the same tube or is it the position that makes the tube red-plate.

obviously if the same tube red-plates, then that tube is bad. If it is the positon that keeps red-plating, then your idea of a bad socket or connection on the socket is viable.

Lightly tapping the tubes while the amp is running is also a way to determine if you have a flakeybe. glen

[tubeswell]

About 18 months ago I had a few bad experiences with brand new Sovtek EL84s made around 2005-2006. (Red-plating within 2 minutes of installation etc - and no it wasn't the bias - because new older stock tubes worked fine when they were put in). The new ones I had trouble with were the ones in the new-look red boxes. I think they must've had some quality control issues at the plant at the time, because I have seen many bad ones around here for a little while now and the newer ones I've been using since haven't had those problems (touch wood). (Mind you I've been using new 'left-over' GT Sovtek EL84s lately) However that's not to say that there aren't any bad new ones around.

[CharlieP]

I don't know as if Classic 30's have a quality issue. As Enzo said, you most likely have a bad tube in that location. If I could find a deal on a Classic 30 I would buy it in a heartbeat. Get another tube and maybe clean the sockets if you think it needs it. Can't hurt. A little maintanance will help your dependibilty issues. This goes true for any amp.

[Ard]

I changed the tube out with another one and then the problem moved to the new position so I guess the tube had a problem so I replaced it.

Thanks!