Wow! I’ve got the same problem. The mute does reduce the volume of the buzz. I did disconnect the preamp, but still a buzz. My monoblocks are each driving only the tweeters. Possibly both amps with the same issue, but this makes me think it might be an electrical problem? I tried unplugging every piece of gear and plugging the amps into different sockets . . . no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated! |
Nothing here. Same set-up. Can’t say when it began. (I was recovering from shoulder surgery, not paying close attention, and couldn’t do anything even if I was more aware.)
I hope I’m not hijacking ebm’s thread. I thought if this is a common problem, we could both benefit. If I am (hijacking), I’ll be happy to bug off. (and sorry) |
Nice to know you solved it, ebm.
Mine is a different problem, probably my amps. Even disconnected interconnects, unplugged everything except amps, turned off all circuit breakers, except those dedicated to amps . . . still buzzing. |
atmosphere - I appreciate the suggestion. My tech guy, extremely knowledgeable and competent, but who no longer lives nearby, suggested the "no input" test. He knows the amps, having extensively worked on them, suggested trying without inputs. He said there should not be any buzz with the inputs removed. The amps are old VTL Deluxe 500's and, though the caps were replaced, there is some transformer hum. I'm wondering if it has just gotten worse over time and is transmitting to the speakers.
ebm - The amps do not have balanced inputs, only single ended. In any case, I'm using all Transparent Reference cables, so I don't think that should be an issue.
I'm going to hook up one of my Anthem solid state amps and see if that makes a difference.
Thanks to both. |
I’ve been thinking about the tubes and whether they could be the culprit. There’s about 2200 hours on the power tubes (WingC 6550’s). It will be a chore to test them (12 per amp). I have a B&K 747. Then there’s the small tubes (driver and input, 3 each amp).
Sooo . . . I’m looking at 30 tubes. I guess I’ve got to get myself cranked up to do that.
In the meantime, I’m going to test with a solid state amp (the horror!) just to confirm it is the amps. I’m still a little puzzled over why both speakers have the same issue (the buzz). What are the odds? |
@atmasphere
Thanks for the tip. Saves me from a futile testing regimen.
I’m planning on trying a solid state amp this weekend to rule out possible electrical problem. |
Switched the amps between the tweeters & woofers. Buzz was originally from the tweeters. The buzz now came from the woofers, tweeters silent.. Gotta be the amps? |
@atmasphere Thanks for the confirmation.
@analogluvr At your suggestion, I changed the input tubes. No luck. I also have a Lutron 4-zone dimmer, but no change with the lights on or off.
Very frustrating, as you can imagine. |
At a friend’s suggestion, I ran a long extension cord from each amp separately to an outlet at the other end of the house. There was now a barely audible hum that could not be heard about 2 1/2 feet from the tweeters. My listening position is 12 feet from the speakers and the buzz, which I now better describe as a loud hum, was loud enough to be annoying . . . and aggravating.
This makes more sense to me as I presumed the odds of both amps having the same exact problem to be unlikely.
Next stop . . . an electrician. |
The system, including the amps, are on the same (right) side of the electrical panel. Should I assume that means they are on the same side of the AC power?
The amps are on a dedicated 30 amp breaker, the rest of the system on a dedicated 20 amp. There is an outdoor imbedded ground for, I believe, the entire system.
This excessive hum arose well after the dedicated lines, panel, and ground were installed. It probably began within the past year, maybe during the summer. I wasn’t paying much attention as I was in constant shoulder pain, then surgery, so I can’t really identify exactly when I first heard it or anything that might have occurred which could have precipitated it. |
@atmasphere
Yes, it is a pole, about 15-20’, driven into the ground with ground wires fused to it.
@ozzy
Yes, the dual 30 amp breaker is near the top of the right side of the box and the 20 amp breaker is also on the right side near the bottom. There are five “blanks” and two more breakers between them.
I’m trying to contact the electrician who installed the panel and the outside ground.
I appreciate all the input!
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The water main should be iron, as it is an older house (1957). I’ve got the same pole type, but separate, ground for my large portable generator. Another discussion with my electrician. We’ve touched base and he will be coming over to check things out. |
@cleeds
I feel somewhat relieved to hear this, as I have had confidence in my electrician who has done some extensive work for me, including upgrading my electric service, installing a new panel with a built-in transfer switch for my generator along with the outdoor plug for it and ground, as well as the separate ground for the audio system.
As I am not knowledgeable in these matters, I must rely on others for their expertise. The electrician is tentatively scheduled for Monday afternoon. |
I’ve tried both of these. I don’t have cable TV. I’ve long had only the pre-amp with a three-prong plug.
I believe the issue may be deeper in the electrical. I had an electrician out who does installs for a high-end audio shop and he couldn’t find anything.
Could the power company’s electric feed be the source? The other night I was not getting the hum/buzz for the first time in a long while. This confounds me even more . . .
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