2. amps-preamps
  3. 176847-155632

Tube noise when gain is increased, tube issue?

Adjusting gain on my preamp improves the sound vibrancy who makes it sound better.  But when I turn it higher the tubes tend to make a buzzing/humming noise which goes away when I turn it back.  
 

Is this a tube problem or a gain problem.  It's nice to maximize the gain setting before distortion occurs.

jumia
zlone
464 posts
 

I have the Freya, no hum or noise at any level. Guessing you have a bad tube. 

audition__audio
1,379 posts
 

The Freya is known for this problem. Do some research and you will find that you are not alone. You might be able to find a better tube but you also might be chasing your tail. I have had 6SN7s prove noisy in Schiit products that are not noisy in all other applications and for this reason I will not retube any Schiit product. I have even hard clients that had Schiit "selected" tubes go noisy in a very short period of time. I had heard that they improved this component in this regard with later production units.

 

BTW humming and buzzing are not typical indications of a microphonic tube. Ringing and howling are more typical.

will3
54 posts
 

I know this is a late response; but...

I’ve had the same problem with my Freya+; chased it around awhile and in the end replaced ONE tube. End of problem for the last 2 years...

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