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Classic Over-reaction!

So today I was listening to a new vintage LP that had just arrived. And when I switched cables from my phono stage to my Hegel 160 integrated - just to note sonic differences between cables -- I noticed that all of a sudden - for the first time - a noticeable hum was emanating from the Hegel’s transformer.

Crap. What now?

I switched back to the original cables. Nothing. The hum was still there.

I tried different tubes in the phono stage. Nothing. The hum was still there.

I unplugged the Hegel from the wall outlet and plugged it into the power strip. Nothing. The hum was still there. I switched everything off in despair and moped upstairs for dinner.

Where I noticed the toaster oven was on. Hmmm. A few minutes later the toaster oven dinged and turned off and I went downstairs, turned the Hegel on, and the hum was gone.

Sigh....

128x128simao
tomcarr
1,540 posts
 
Good points all. I have a dedicated "home-run" line from the breaker box to my dedicated listening room. I still have some issues with hum depending on which culprit (dishwasher, timer, washing machine, dryer, hair-dryer, toaster, microwave oven, fluorescent lights) are being used by the normal members of my household. Sigh...

Tom
mrdecibel
3,065 posts
 
My Smart Theatre Systems TA 242 amp develops a transformer buzz, chassis only ( not through the speakers ), when it is on and I am using my otr microwave. Of my many amps, it happens only to this one ( I haven't tried a cheater plug ).
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,408 posts
 
Upgrade that toaster ASAP!
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 
tomcarr
see if you can get the dedicated line on a different phase leg at your breaker box....
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,836 posts
 
I had a dedicated line put in at our last place, but since moving I haven't gotten around to it, I will eventually should I continue with this hobby.

Or I'll sell everything and take my family to New Zealand for a few weeks.
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