FAQs

Q: I would like to replace the tubes in my unit, can I use any tube as long as it fits into the socket?
A: No, only use the tubes which were designed for the unit (size: 12AX7). While other tubes may fit they are wired differently and may break your unit.

Q: Where can I get replacement tubes?
A: You can buy replacement tubes from most musical instrument stores or online. The 12AX7 is a common tube used in guitar amplifiers. We do not sell replacement tubes directly.

Q: I have had my unit for a while and one tube has burnt out but the other is still working. Should I replace both?
A: Generally it is recommended that they be replaced in pairs so they have equal output and life. Much like tires on a car, if the same age the other working one is likely to go soon too.

Q: Is it okay to touch the tubes when the unit is off and cool?
A: It is best to not touch the tubes with your bare hand to protect the tubes from the oils on your skin. We would recommend using a cloth, paper towel, or the included gloves when replacing or handling the tubes. Can also wipe them with a microfiber before powering up.

Q: I attached my turntable to the aux-in on the unit and it does not sound good, very soft and low volume.
A: Check your owner's manual for the turntable and be sure that your turntable does not need a phono preamp. Older turntables and a handful of new ones require this extra piece of equipment before attaching to an amplifier. Many newer turntables have a built in preamp or switchable one.

Q: When I received my unit one of the tubes seems to be tilted and not sitting flat?
A: The tube may have moved during shipment. With the unit unplugged and using the included gloves or soft towel gently press down on the tube while rocking it to set it flat.

Q: How do I know if my tube is worn out?
A: Generally the 12AX7 tubes can last around 10,000 hours which is years and years of use. However every tube is different. Tubes typically do not just stop working, they slowly wear. Signs that the tube may need to be replaced is popping sounds when playing music, a loud hum or roar coming from the speakers, and of course the tube not having that glow when powered up.

Q: Why does my music sound different when I first power up the unit from a few minutes after playing?
A: It is normal for tubes to need a few minutes to get to operating temp to perform their best. Typically 2 or 3 minutes is enough time for them to warm up from room temperature.

Q: Is this an all-tube amplifier?
A: The SōLIS units are what are called hybrid tube amplifiers. The amplifier is solid state for reliability and the preamp section is tube for sound.

Q: What makes Chromecast built-in technology better than Bluetooth?
A: - Higher sound quality.
    - When casting, you’re casting the audio source, not just audio from your device. (Example: a phone call won’t interrupt your music jam session.)
    - Stay connected and control music from anywhere within your WiFi network. No more distance limitations.
    - Play the same music or other audio source across multiple connected speakers at once with support for multiroom listening.
    - Doesn’t drain your device’s battery.
    - Works with Google Home.

Q: Why doesn’t my speaker work with Chromecast built-in anymore?
A: If you experience your speaker suddenly not being able to play, be sure to check for updates. The apps and services you may be using update their software often (sometimes daily) and may affect playback with your speaker. Also be sure to keep the Google Home app updated as well.

Q: Why doesn’t the speaker with Chromecast built-in automatically show as a device in the Google Home app?
A: It may take several minutes for the Chromecast built-in speaker to appear as a device in the Google Home app. Ensure the Chromecast built-in speaker is in range of your Wi-Fi network. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device. During set up, the Google Home app needs to access your device using Bluetooth. (See manual for additional instructions)

Q: Does Chromecast work with my favorite music streaming service?
A: Check compatibility here.

Q: Why isn’t there a Cast button in the app from which I would like to stream audio?
A: Ensure the Chromecast built-in speaker has been set up using the Google Home app (please refer to the manual for set up instructions).

Confirm the app you would like to stream music from is enabled with Chromecast built-in. Confirm the Wi-Fi network enabled on your device is the same Wi-Fi network that was used when speaker was set up using the Google Home app.

Confirm the Wi-Fi network used during set up with the Google Home app has all network privileges enabled. For example, a “guest network” on a router may not have all network privileges enabled. Refresh the Chromecast-enabled enabled app.

Q: Why doesn’t the Chromecast Built-in speaker appear as an available connection when I tap the Cast button in the app from which I would like to stream audio?
A: Ensure the Chromecast built-in speaker has been set up using the Google Home app (please refer to the manual for set up instructions). Verify the speaker appears as a device in Google Home app device list. The speaker will stream audio from audio or music Chromecast-enabled apps, it may not stream audio from some video apps.

Q: Why can audio only be heard through one speaker in a group?
A: It may take up to a minute for audio to stream on all speakers in a group.