After all this, my problem isn't a ground loop, bad ground, or anything external. Reading my email to the repair shop will explain;
Hi Morris,
Ok, I’ve exhausted my resources and have isolated the problem. I have a dedicated AC line I tapped from that powers my tankless water heater. This is a new line installed about 4 weeks ago and the water heater is the only thing powered by it so I ran an extension cord to the Anthem. The only connection after the Anthem is speakers. No input connections what so ever. The “hum” is in the amp AND audible through the speakers, all 5 channels.
I still have my Integra DTR 50.3 and for giggles, unboxed it and connected it. Again, AC line into the Integra and speaker wires to the corresponding speaker. Result, DEAD QUIET! I went a step further and connected the Integra to the wall (not the dedicated line), same result. Another step further and connected the AC line to the Torus, Torus to the Integra, Oppo BDP-103 Blue Ray to the Integra, speakers connected. Again, DEAD QUIET!!
My comparison is a $700.00 Integra AVR to a $4,000.00 Anthem amplifier.
Conclusion; there is something going on internal to the Anthem. No question about it. It’s something common to all 5 channels.
Lets review the chain of events….
When I lived in my condo, you serviced the Anthem and it worked beautifully! Had there been a “buzz”, I would have noticed. I’m POSITIVE of this!
I moved to this house and upon installation, I found the Surround Right channel dead, so I brought it to you. Then technicians finding was everything was good. Considering the contradiction, you recommended the technician disassemble and reassemble the amp.
Up to this time, I never heard a “hum” from the amp. Again, I would have noticed it.
As soon as I got it home, connected everything, I heard the “hum” immediately and brought it back. You called me and said there were no problems and I took a leap of faith doubting my own observations. I’ve never heard a “hum” from an amp before. You stated all amps have a little bit of noise if you put your ear close enough. I wondered why I could hear it from my seating position. Were my ears that good? Possibly but, thats when I put my ear close to each and every speaker and discovered the same “hum” from the amp, I heard coming from each and every speaker.
This is when I brought it back to your shop. In addition to the “hum”, the right side front panel ear was loose which got fixed.
Immediately when I put it back in the system, the “hum” was apparent and I tried to describe it best I could. Again, doubting my own judgement, I gave it a day or so. I came to the realization that what I was hearing was not normal.
It all became real to me today when I put the Integra in the system! To add icing on the cake, the technician neglected to install one of the housing screws and your office lady, had to mail it to me. It arrived today and I installed it.
Morris, I’m at a loss on what to do at this point. It’s clear the amp is not functioning properly. A piece of gear of this caliber should be light years better than the Integra it replaced in my system, and it was, until the technician disassembled and re assembled its innards.
I need to know how we are going to address this. I’m very upset and exhausted at this point and ready to send it to Anthem in Canada. Before I do, I need to know what you can offer for a solution. I know this will get resolved, the question being by who and at what cost. I’ve thrown a lot of $$ at this already.
Thank you and I look forward to resolving this expeditiously.
