Amplifier hum - normal?


Is it normal for amps to emit a slight humming noise from the transformer when turned on?

I never noticed it in my old integrated that I lived with for over 10 years, but that was lower power. Now I've gone from 50wpc to 120wpc... don't know if that makes a difference here though.

I mean, it's not nearly enough to bother me or even really be audible past 3 feet away... but I am curious if this is typical for amplifiers to do this.
djembeplay
Kijanki,
It seems like you've rehashed what you've read on Wikipedia without getting a proper understanding of the facts. Yes, toroids are generally mechanically quieter than E-I types, EXCEPT when subjected to DC.

The core of a toroidal transformer saturates more easily than that of an E-I type transformer. Because of this, toroids tend to have higher inrush current. DC offset on the power line will also cause magnetic saturation of the core of a toroid more readily than in an E-I type transformer. As the toroid transformer attempts to recover from the saturation, this causes a buzzing sound.

Manufacturers like Equi=Tech and Plitron employ manufacturing techniques in their "Q" type and NBT type transformers respectively that help make them less susceptible to this core saturation.

See here:
http://www.soundstage.com/maxdb/maxdb071998.htm
.
So this humm isn't something that indicates a poor-quality transformer or a malfunction?

A friend used to have an older Crown amp and he said it used to buzz much louder than this Yamaha.

Also, I wanted to add... whatever I have my volume set at makes no difference what-so-ever. With my amp gain all the way down, I still hear the same buzz.
Only black from my Yamaha MX1000 U. It's both very high wattage and vintage.