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McIntosh C2300 noise

I’ve recently noticed that there is a buzz in the phono section of my c2300. I bought this used from a dealer and they are are helping me root cause the issue. I thought i’d share here in the mean time. The buzz usually goes up with volume. Not only does the buzz go up with volume - the meters show some gain as well. This happens with no source attached. I moved the C2300 to a different part of the home with no source or amp attached whatsoever - turning up the volume knob jumps the meters.  Is this normal?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH9hYnTN-iw&feature=youtu.be
pistha
pistha OP
31 posts
 
 If you had no sources or amp connected to it, how could you hear the buzz? Is it a transformer hum from within the preamp itself?
the YT video shows no source connected but amp and speakers connected. buzz goes up and down with volume on phono section as seen. As a test - i moved the preamp to a different room with NO source or amp connected. Offcourse I dont hear anything audible as no speakers are connected and no transformer hum either - but the needle jumps as though there is gain/current. So clearly it's not a source or a cable issue. 
pistha OP
31 posts
 
If you are using the main single-ended outputs to your amplifier, try using one of the other outputs and see if there is a difference.
@bondmanp - yes - i tried Outputs 1 &2 with same behavior. Differ with you on calling McIntosh - i get very curt responses. Luckily Audioclassics is treating me well!
pistha OP
31 posts
 
^^^^^^Excellent question.
grrrr
bondmanp
1,816 posts
 
pistha - If you bought your preamp from Audio Classics, you’re in good hands. They won’t let you down.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Sounds like a tube noise. Just as an experiment, gently tap the phono tubes while you hear the noise and see if that affects the frequency or pitch.
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