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Audible Illusion 3A humming pop noise one channel

I thought I had a ground loop problem but everthing keeps pointing back to the Pre Amp. With volume turned down you can hear a slight hum in one speaker. When that volume control is adjusted you get a click or small pop for each adjustment. Also the power box has always had a slight hum to it which I understand others have reported this also. Any ideas what it could be, and could a local tech in the Raleigh area take a look or would it need to go back to factory?
mike8622
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,388 posts
 
I wouldn't use any cleaner on it. The volume control is made of all resistors. I had that same problem and it turned out the muting switch was dirty. I used a cleaner on the muting switch. It's easy to get to, right under the top cover.

As for the power supply hum. Mine always did and still does. I put a Magic Brick on it and it took away all the hum. The 3 and 3a power supplies did indeed hum. I had both.

Bob
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Stereo 5 is right
Do not spray anything into the stepped resistors
Contact AI and they will be very helpful Alan at
917 576 2466
Mention John at Audio Connection sent you
vicdamone
850 posts
 
["Sounds to me like your attenuator/volume pot may be dirty. If it can be easily accessed, some electrical cleaner/lubricant may be all it needs. Something like Caig's Pro Gold.']

Of course you're trying to help but please speak to components that you actually have a first hand knowledge of.

The AI3A uses versions of inclosed ladder resistor attenuators. Some of which have a famously short mechanical lifespan and are replaced when they become noisy.
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