Any upgrades for the Pearl Phono 2SK389 Problem?

[promitheus]

A lot of people have had burned 2SK389 in the Pearl Phono.
I wanted to ask if anybody has found a solution for this Problem.
Some say that the problem occures on turn on and the large inrush current burns the 2SK389.
If this true can the parts be protected in any way?

 

[d to the g]

For me it wasn't a turn on problem, but an issue when you hotswap (don't turn it off the pre and let the caps drain) output cables. The resolution was don't hotswap cables.

 

[promitheus]

Well normally it´s not a good idea to swap cables when equipment is still powered on.
I am not sure when the 2SK389BL fail. If it is random or happens under specific conditions.

 

[h_a]

Hi Promitheus,

long time no see!

I wanted to ask if anybody has found a solution for this Problem.

Sure there is; replace them with 2x 2SK170BL that have a higher power dissipation; or, alternatively, replace them with 2x 2SK369GR with changed source resistors and enjoy slightly reduced distortion.

I think I posted the last one with values+measurements somewhere here in Passlabs quite some time ago.

The problem is that some high IDSS 2SK389 run a little too hot in the circuit for good reliability. You can also increase the source resistor and compensate the gain loss by adjusting the load resistor to some extent.

Hannes