Ampeg VH140C popping

[Drenched]

Got an Ampeg VH140C combo a few years back to be my main rig for recording and shows, and while it is an amazing amp, it's always popped super loud randomly while playing, especially when playing it at a louder volume, and sometimes while turning it on and off. I've looked inside the preamp multiple times and didn't notice anything wrong, however, I don't know much when it comes to that sort of thing. The power light also flickers when this happens.

I did have a friend trip over a cord that was in it once that broke the head off in it, but I managed to get that out rather quickly.

If anyone has any idea to what could be causing this any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Hangman]

Got an Ampeg VH140C combo a few years back to be my main rig for recording and shows, and while it is an amazing amp, it's always popped super loud randomly while playing, especially when playing it at a louder volume, and sometimes while turning it on and off. I've looked inside the preamp multiple times and didn't notice anything wrong, however, I don't know much when it comes to that sort of thing. The power light also flickers when this happens.

I did have a friend trip over a cord that was in it once that broke the head off in it, but I managed to get that out rather quickly.

If anyone has any idea to what could be causing this any info would be greatly appreciated.

My guess is that there is a cracked solder joint, or a flaky cap. Its hard to say what it is for sure. does it react to being smacked?

[Drenched]

Got an Ampeg VH140C combo a few years back to be my main rig for recording and shows, and while it is an amazing amp, it's always popped super loud randomly while playing, especially when playing it at a louder volume, and sometimes while turning it on and off. I've looked inside the preamp multiple times and didn't notice anything wrong, however, I don't know much when it comes to that sort of thing. The power light also flickers when this happens.

I did have a friend trip over a cord that was in it once that broke the head off in it, but I managed to get that out rather quickly.

If anyone has any idea to what could be causing this any info would be greatly appreciated.

My guess is that there is a cracked solder joint, or a flaky cap. Its hard to say what it is for sure. does it react to being smacked?

Yes, when I smack it, it also pops just as loud. The reverb is broken too I think, as it just kicks on whenever, and when it pops when the reverb is kicked on it sounds like it just amplifies the pop more.

I'd say the equivalent of this pop is like a gun going off right next to your head.

[Hangman]

sounds like a cracked trace or solder joint, you should try to get this taken care of soon, those pops can really mess with your speakers (and ears)

you could try opening the amplifier, turning it on, and while its on, pushing on each of the circuit boards with a sharpie, to see if you can isolate which PCB has the problem. you can also use the sharpie to wiggle individual components to see if you can isolate a specific device. once you isolate the problem, you can either look very closely at the board to see if you an see a cracked solder joint. if you isolated a single component reflow the solder on that component, but still look at the whole board, sometimes there are more than one. You can also just reflow the solder on the whole board. the latter option is a little labor intensive, but it can actually save you some time