How deadly is transformer hummm...

@jea48 A rectifier tube will not cause a power transformer to rattle (humm).


@mrdecibel  If you look at the way this transformer is mounted, using isomerics to secure it is unlikely! Its mounted through a cutout that barely accommodates the transformer core. This type of mounting leaves very little room for using grommets to isolate the chassis from vibration.


IMO/IME tightening the transformer bolts is the best option. If it does not work, replacing the transformer is the next option after that.

@jea48 the amp is entirely quiet at the speaker drivers; the amp was probably humming within the chassis from the start, but I did not hear it until a few days in.

I bought the rubber washers, but further comments seem to indicate that tightening of the transformer screws is the first task. I will unplug the amp, remove the tubes, put on a pair of gloves and remove the bottom plate of the amp this evening, and then I will tighten things. I can look for clearance that might accept the new washers, but I don’t plan on adding those in yet...

@wolf_garcia made an observation about the possibility that the washers will not do well with transformer heat. @atmasphere indicated they likely won’t fit, so the washers will be left out until I’m clear I won’t make things worse in the long run.

Can I expect the components are pinned to the top of the chassis, Or affixed to the bottom plate, etc.? I will be careful and slow in removing things, but I’ll take any tips...

@listening99  It would be a good idea to check in with Mr. Had and see if he has any comments. From the outside the amp looks conventional construction. Remove all the tubes before you turn the amp over to prevent damage. Keep in mind though that you are on your own here- if this is at all intimidating, it might be best to bring it to a technician to do the work.

@atmasphere I have not been able to find a close up photo of the transformer mountings of this amp, however, I respect your opinion, and feel, it is quite unfortunate. As I have stated, I have done hundreds of these " mods ", and all for the better, in every way. This is an easy thing to do, with the possibility of using longer mounting bolts. Not all rubber is effected by heat in the same way ( engine hoses, auto tires, as an example, as they last a long time, and the transformers do not get as hot as some engine components....this, ime. @atmasphere ...have you, in your amplifier designs, ever tried decoupling of the power transformers from the chassis ? Remembering now, I also had a Krell amp, a long time ago, that had huge rubber shims between the transformer and the chassis. As far as I am concerned, it should be a part of any design....but, I am not an electrical engineer, nor product designer.....just a tweeker, listening, and looking, to improve things my ear / brain can detect, as improvements is sq. My latest acquisition, and project ( an original Edge M8 power amp, prior to Maker Audio ), was so resonant and vibration prone. I took the amp apart, isolated the huge toroid transformer ( a few layers of Peel and Seal ), isolated and damped the heat sinks ( these heat sinks were the most " ringing " I have ever encountered, not what I would expect from an amplifier that retailed for 5K ), damped the entire chassis, and changed out wiring and binding posts. Now, an incredible, music reproducing amplifier, to these ears. BTW.......looking at many other Dennis Had amplifier designs, it looks as though, these rubber washers, can be used.....based on photos. Anyhoo.......Be well.