2. misc-audio
  3. 1112370659

Help with AC noise please

Hi all, I have a dedicated AC line for my audio, Monster 5100 filter, Quantum symphony conditioner, Nordost Red Dawn interconnects, MIT T2 biwire cables(15'), MF cdpre24, PS audio amp, MF tube buffer, Emminent Tech speakers,
When I put ear close to the speakers I can hear what sounds like something frying in a pan, sort of a crackling sound. It is louder through the left speaker than the right. To make things worse for about two days the left speaker was absolutely silent, with the right speaker only emitting the noise very lightly. I have removed, and relocated all the devices but when the noise is present it stays. I tried rerouting the cable, even lifting them up off the concrete basement floor, but no help. I unplugged the tube buffer, no help. All the equipment is mounted on a verticl rack. I have moved the tube buffer away from the rack. Even with all the lights out I still have it. But then sometimes I don't. When the noise is gone I tried to discern what was different but could not. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks
dougm
Post removed 
dougm OP
5 posts
 
Hi Marty,
I really don't know if it is AC. The reason I went in the direction of it being due to the tube buffer was because that was suggested to me by someone who works for a line conditioning manufacturer. Do you have some experience with RFI making that sort of sound? I would appreciate any help you could give me.
thanks
david99
1,467 posts
 
I had the MF tube buffer in my system for a while.
It improved detail and was smooth but it smeared the bass.
Thats one reason I sold it.
The other,it was noisey,hiss,crackle,pop.I switched out 3 different pairs of tubes with no success.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Dougm, Sounds like taking the buffer out didn't make a difference. I can't tell from your post if you have done this yet, but if not....Disconnect everything in your system (cables and IC's) except your amp and speakers and see if you have the "sound". If you do you have at least isolated the problem to your amp and/or power. Then work backwards thru your whole system one component at a time, very methodically. For example add your preamp and IC's to amp - and listen with out turning it on. No "sound", now turn it on. Also rotate selector switch before adding Ic's from sources and listen. Repeat process until you isolate the noisy component. Then feed back.
dougm OP
5 posts
 
Thanks David99 for the input. I will check my bass with and without the buffer. I do think the buffer adds a wee bit of depth to the instruments, as well as a tad of warmth, but I may need to rethink if it turns out to be the source of the noise.
Newbee, I will do as you recommend and isolate each component. I did not have a chance to remove the tube buffer yet. It's funny but for the last several days the previously noisy left side is absolutely quiet, while the right side still has a bit of crackle. I will post my findings after I have isolated everything.
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