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Speaker Hum Question

I'm fairly new to the high-end audio scene, and just took delivery of my new system last night. I set up the system myself, and it sounds fantastic, and I expect it will get better as everything settles in. Here's my question: there is a very slight hum/buzz (very VERY slight) from the right speaker's tweeter that is present when the source component isn't playinhg, even when the preamp is in standby mode. The noise is not audible or distracting when music is playing. there is no corresponding noise from the left speaker. I do know that the electric line is not a s clean as it could be -- it is not grounded properly. This will be remedied soon, as I am having a dedicated line installed. Could this be the culprit? Is the noise anything to be concerned about, or is it just me being overly paranoid?

System:

Sonic Frontiers Line 1 Preamplifier
Thorens TTA 2300 Amplifier (dual mono, 120 WPC)
Joseph Audio RM25Si Loudspeakers
Sony SCD-1 SACD Player
Jolida Tube Tuner
Audio Quest Viper interconnects
Transparent Plus Biwire Speaker Cables
Monster Power 2000 Power Conditioner
andrewbuck
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
Andrew- With mono amps, it is always a possibility that you have a slight ground loop problem, particularly if you already know that there is a grounding issue with the house. Also, other devices that are on that A/C circuit can easily manifest noise onto the line that feeds only that amp (assuming you're using different outlets/circuits to power the two mono amps). Lights, refrigerator, fans, TV, computer, etc... can all be culprits.
If you think it's the pre-amp, simply swap the output cables at the back. If the noise appears in the other channel, then it 'could be' simply a tube issue.

Try not to sweat the small stuff, and enjoy the music.
Just my .02
drrdiamond
671 posts
 
Start swithching things around, amps, interconnects, preamp channels, etc. You should be able to narrow it down to the culprit.

Also, having a dedicated line will definitely improve all aspects of your playback. I am bi-amped and have 2 30amp lines for my amps and one 20amp line for my front end. Having three dedicated lines would be wonderful, but you will notice a big difference with even one. .... But, it might not solve your problem.

Best of luck!
kitch29
316 posts
 
Unless it's an SFL-1 pre or other with one tube, switch the tubes and see if the noise follows to the other speaker. If so, you might want to replace the noisy (microphonic) one. It's also very possible that one channel noise is a dirty tube pin contact, removing and replacing the tube, carefully, will usually clean the contact. Use a soft cotton cloth to handle the tube. In any case, the first upgrade I have always done with tube components is the tubes themselves. If you have "modern" tubes you are in for a treat when you try NOS or lightly used 60's and 70's vintage RCA, Mullard, etc. See NOS threads here and at Audio Asylum. AA won't do 3 letter searches though so you need to input type: 12ax7, 12au7, 7316, whatever. Hope this helps, let us know.
kitch29
316 posts
 
Duh, just noticed it's an Sonic Frontiers pre. Cleaning the tube pins still might help.
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muzikat
929 posts
 
Andrew, I would have to say it is likely a grounding problem. I was getting a hum from my amp, even though I installed a dedicated line. Turned out to be my front porch light was not grounded, changed the fixture, made sure it was grounded, problem solved. Good Luck.
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