If the buzz is 120Hz, given the amp's age, the power supply filter caps are probably not suspect. Based on what I've read, a 120Hz buzz is typically caused by something faulty in the rectification stage depending on whether the signal is half wave or full wave rectified. If the VAC amp is tube rectified, that might be an area for investigation. That might also explain the uneven amplitude of the buzz. I'm sure others with more hands-on experience can correct me if I'm mistaken.
Amplifier Hum - Only Amp Connected
I have read many threads on here about various amplifier hum.
I recently bought a used tube amplifier. When I connected the amp and turned it on, I immediately heard a hum from the mid-range driver of both speakers. The hum is audible even if the pre-amplifier is turned off/muted. In fact, I unplugged all interconnects from the amplifier and still heard a hum when the amp was on. I then unplugged the the interconnects and unplugged everything else in the room from the outlets (turntable, pre-amplifier, TV, and cable box), so that the only thing in the room connected to the wall was the amp. I still hear the hum from the speakers when it is only wall>power cord>amp>speaker cable>speaker.
This has to mean that it is a problem internal to the amp, correct?
I recently bought a used tube amplifier. When I connected the amp and turned it on, I immediately heard a hum from the mid-range driver of both speakers. The hum is audible even if the pre-amplifier is turned off/muted. In fact, I unplugged all interconnects from the amplifier and still heard a hum when the amp was on. I then unplugged the the interconnects and unplugged everything else in the room from the outlets (turntable, pre-amplifier, TV, and cable box), so that the only thing in the room connected to the wall was the amp. I still hear the hum from the speakers when it is only wall>power cord>amp>speaker cable>speaker.
This has to mean that it is a problem internal to the amp, correct?
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- 24 posts total
Been through this one myself. I agree with cheater plug to start off or break ground pin off a cheap stock power cord. Have you swapped power tubes left to right since you said it's louder in one speaker, or maybe a rectifier tube. Electrolytic cap, transformer in power supply would cause hum but that would be last stop after trying all the free solutions listed. |
jdpawnbroker OP6 posts Did you put a piece of tape on the bottom of the cheater plug ground tab, or over the trim screw that hold on the electrical outlet cover plate, so the ground tab does not make electrical contact with the metal screw? The trim screw is electrically connected to the equipment ground. |
- 24 posts total