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FAQ – HYLIGHT UK
When should I replace my valves (tubes)?
Valves start to wear out from the moment they are installed. The frequency with which you replace them depends on a number of factors, with usage at the top of the list. Running the amp at top volumes will also shorten valve life.
Many artists who regularly use their amps replace the power valves once a year and have the amp biased at that time. Preamp valves need only to be replaced when they fail or become microphonic. Power valves should be replaced prior to failure.
My amp is no longer under warranty, where can I get it serviced?
To locate a repair technician near you, in the UK and Rest of the World try consulting your nearest Hylight dealer or contact tech@hylight.co.uk for details of authorised technicians in your area. The dealer search may help too.
What do I do if my grille cloth is dented? Do I send it back?
No need to send it back. If it is dented carefully sponge some hot, soapy water onto the dented area, avoiding contact with the speaker, and leave to dry.
How do I obtain spare parts for my Hylight amp/speaker?
Valves, knobs, speakers, transformers are all available directly from our website. Faceplates and badges are only available when pictures of the amp’s serial number and proof of purchase are provided.
How do I obtain a Hylight schematic?
For safety reasons, we can only supply schematics and technical information to Hylight dealers and authorised repair centres.
Can I modify my Hylight amplifier?
We do not recommend or support the modification of Hylight products in any way. Please do not attempt to work on your Hylight yourself as doing so will expose you to potentially lethal voltage and will invalidate the warranty.
I need to replace my valves/tubes, does my amplifier need to be rebiased?
When replacing valves always use quality branded replacements. If unsure which brand to buy, contact out tech department tech@hylight.co.uk. There are many Hylight owners experimenting with different brands.
WARNING! Valves get HOT! Make sure that you leave your amplifier off for a sufficient period of time to allow the valves [tubes] to cool.
Preamp valves may be replaced at any time by the owner. Allow the amp to cool down and remove the metal valve shields by pushing them in and turning them counter-clockwise. Pull out the old valve and insert the new one taking care to correctly line up the pins with the valve socket. Replace the valve shields. It is normally recommended that you replace your preamp valves once every 18 months, however you will not cause your amplifier any harm by using them longer. Replacing them regularly helps reduce the risk of a valve failing at an inopportune time!
When buying power valves ask for matched pairs or quartets. This means that each valve has been tested and chosen to work well together. Allow the amp to cool down and take care to correctly line up the pins of the valve with the valve socket. It is recommended that you replace your power valves once every 12 months, however you will not cause your amplifier any harm by using them longer.
Power valves in all our Custom Shop amplifiers should be biased by a qualified amp technician when they are replaced. Failure to bias power valves can result in shortened valve life and damage to your amplifier. Improperly biased valves can also affect your amplifier’s tone.
What is daisy chaining?
All Hylight cabinets have two quarter inch mono jack inputs wired in parallel. Connecting two cabinets together using a speaker lead is called “Daisy Chaining” and if two 16 Ohm cabinets are used, the global load is 8 Ohm, if two 8 Ohm cabinets are used, the global load is 4 Ohm.
How do I use 4 inputs on Vintage Reissue amps?
The idea behind the design was to have low and high sensitivities on each channel depending on which guitar/bass is used (or pickups). Also, if the channels are cross-patched it allows the player to dial in the desired tone and harmonics of both preamp stages – a unique feature that sets Hylight amps apart from any other amp ever built.