Tube Ampp Almarro low level hum

Jax2 - good thinking. If it is a transformer, is it humming because it is aging? Malfunctioning? Or is that just how transformers are? Can I address the source of the problem or just deal with the symptom? Thanks for your comment.

sometimes transformer hum can (as Jax2 said) just be the result of loose mounting bolts, sometimes not. Sometimes its just how that particular tranny is. Toroidal trannys are often less susceptible. One other cause sometimes is DC offset, IIRC.

Yes, as Swampwalker said, or rather, let me paraphrase; Hum Happens. Not a defect or necessarily worn out (Could be loose bolts, which you could address). Could also be a drop in voltage (I think when you get on 10% or so you could induce some hum). Try the solutions I offered and see if that works. I guess that does deal with the symptom, but if it's just a loose bolt you've dealt with the problem. Try the weights if the bolt doesn't work. Could be tubes (remote chance) too. I'd look at the trannies first - not as a defect, but just for something loose or vibrating. I'd strongly suspect that given that it stops when you touch or move them.

I know just enough about this stuff to sound like I know what I'm talking about, or rather, just enough to be dangerous. To try to address your question, and someone will have to correct me on this if I'm inaccurate, but I think a tranny could break down (some of the binding element they use inside) and that could have that effect of exacerbating hum, BUT, as I understand it, that would be over a greater period of time than an Almarro amp using 6C33C tubes could be old (in other words, not likely). Still could be vibrating. I have a friend who owned those amps for a while. I'll ask him and point him to this thread.

As Jax2 said I had this amp for a while but did not have any hum at all. So I don't have much to add. I contacted Almarro directly when i was looking for tubes and received replies the next day. You might try sending them an email to get more ideas for a solution (sales@almarro dot com).

The transformers are very secure on the chassis. With the suggestion of the current, I checked my circuit and found some other appliances (a laser printer and scanner) that were plugged into different plugs on the same circuit. I moved those and had no hum for two days. Now it is back but much much lower so I believe it is a current issue. I can live with the current hum but I'll send an email to Almarro to see if they have any ideas. Thanks to all for the great advice.