Bummer. Can't help you since I run USA power, no clue what EU power units may sound like. My Jay's cdt2-mk3 has been nothing but pure joy. If I understand you correctly, on your next purchase, make sure you buy directly from Beatechnik. They specifically say that any of their equipment bought from the various Chinese outfits that discount their items is not covered by their warranty. Obviously the $300 savings is insignificant now.
Jay's Audio CDT2 MK3 hum
Hi all! Greetings from Poland. My first post here after years of reading the forum!
Recently I have purchased Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK3 (230V European version), actually following the comments and recommendations read at Audiogon. All is great with it except the hum it emits from its casing. I should say “hums”. The one that was occasionally audible from the left side (where transformers sit) I eliminated by using a DC-blocker. However, there is audible hum peaking at 300 Hz coming from the right side. Its level is dependent from line voltage which at my place sometimes reaches and exceeds 260 V (230 V is nominal voltage) for short periods during sunny days (lots of PV installations around and old power lines). I tried on-line UPS with selectable voltage output and there was no hum at 220 V, neglectable at 230V and audible from my listening position at 240V. At 250V and above it is really bad. Of course I can’t hear it while music plays but it is annoying when in standby. It is kind of fake standby as in fact the unit seems fully powered except for the display. It takes 12W playing and 9W in standby or turned on (not spinning) with display off.
Obviously, I tried it disconnected from my DAC, different lines in the house, turning off all the lines except the one feeding my audio. The hum from the right side of the unit is ONLY dependent on the voltage. My old Copland CSA14 and new CSA100 and old Roksan Kandy amps don’t hum. My Copland CDA266 and Roksan Kandy CDPs don’t hum. Does not matter how low or high the voltage is.
I contacted Beatechnik and they said it should not happen and advised to check it in their service in Slovenia. Paid, as I purchased it from a private importer, so it is not covered by their warranty. In the meantime I bought a voltage controller with servo motor which keeps the voltage right. Not really a correct hi fi approach I guess.
So, my question to Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK3 owners, preferably from the EU, can you hear any hum from your units, coming from the right side of the casing? Does it fluctuate depending on mains voltage?
Thanks for reading and looking forward to read about your experience!
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@cleeds : Here in Poland +/- 10% is allowed, so up to 253V is "OK". Technicians were called, checked the voltage and confirmed the problem is with excessive local production by PV installations. Power lines will need to be replaced which will not happen any time soon. In case of any damages excessive voltage can make, they pay for repair. I'm monitoring my installation with Supla system and Zamel monitors and all the anomalies are recorded. @tonnesen My installation consists of two strings, 6 + 4 kWp, oriented east-west. Fronius inverter I have, stops working in case of 254V+ measured in any phase constantly for a few minutes, then checks back and if voltage dropped, starts again. The inverter stops working and not individual panels or strings of panels. Your installation must be different. Sure there will be more problems if more installations will be connected, here and where you live, if no new lines and perhaps auto transformers will be installed in the local network. No hum at night when voltage drops to 230V or below. @baylinor I have a written warranty from a local-private importer so it is not that I am not covered. Starting this discussion I just wanted to be better prepared with my claim. If I get any responses from the members (especially from EU) that the transport is DEAD quiet (in the casing) at any excessive voltages, it will be strong indication that my unit needs repair. Another possibility is that all units slightly hum but their users are not bothered... Funny is that the Berkeley Audio Design HDCD DAC of the importer hums like hell (by my standards at least), but he likes it so much so ignores the noise. "Unfortunately" at his place voltage is dead stable so my problem could not be replicated. You said "no clue what EU power units may sound like" but I don't hear the power unit which is on the left side but something buzzing at the right side. Is there anything that could vibrate there resulting in 300Hz noise?
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