2. amps-preamps
  3. 161455-150806

Slight hum coming from preamp/amp

I got a Nakamichi CA-5/PA-5 that I connected to a laptop via an external DAC. When I set it up and turned on the amps, I can hear a slight hum coming from the speakers. It can only be heard if you press your ear against the speaker. I looked up the issues online and tried to isolate the noise by just connecting the speakers to the power amp, and the hum noise reduced down significantly but I can still hear it if I press my ears next to the speakers. What should I do next?
diripio
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
Plug your ears.
You must be living in an anechoic chamber.
Come out come out to the real world
simao's avatar
simao
1,819 posts
 
Pretty true. Most electrical thingies emit some sort of acoustic noise, especially amplified by speakers. Don't worry about it. Enjoy the music
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Routing.. simple as could be, and cost nothing.. Make sure ALL the cables are separate.  If they have to cross, a 90 or close to it.  Get it off the floor.  WHY? Static E.. Pretty bad  when it's dry and windy..

Turn the Volume up mid way, BUT nothing playing...You can yo yo the cables, lift them up and down and all around.. If you hear noise.. Rout until it goes away.. Usually about 1/2 inch or so between.. Little bit higher off the floor, AY!

Make sure everything is plugged into the same plug..

Be careful with routers, and PC with their noisey power supplies... and Valves(tubes) and anything for that matter.

I have ZERO noise, I mean zip... Old tube preamps, power amps, everything under the sun. TT, routers, SACD, Blueray, Reel to Reel, OXOs, 7 enclosures, all High E speakers... NO unwanted NOISE...
40db to 120db..

Regards
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,794 posts
 
My surmise is the hum has something to do with the computer but if you only hear it with your ears near the drivers of the speaker its absolutely no concern whatsoever. 
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