Preamp Noise with High-Efficiency Speakers

An isolation transformer from Jensen it different from what he has tried.

He has way too much system gain, and with speakers that are 104db! He shouldn't have to use an isolation transformer if that would work at all with the problem he has.

Cheers George

I agree. He should have to use it. I liked the sound of a past system and the
only way I could keep,same components was to use a Jensen ISO tranny.

It rid the system of a buzz I could not tame in any other manner. Not ideal
as you say, but it worked and did not change my sound. In my case the
issue was between the amp and preamp. It was a buzz.

Just an idea.

The OP can call Jensen as they are very helpful and they can help
determine if this would be a strong potential fix. I bet they would be open to
letting him try and return it if it does not,cure the problem.

Almag here is the one who turned me onto the idea as well as another
Agoner who had the same issue and the Jensen worked wonderfully.

I assume here a nice tube preamp would deliver better sounding music and
this step is thus worth it.

Charles1dad said:

My point is don`t be condescending and dismissive to those listeners who chose an active component rather than his.

I agree completely. I think that you have to look at the LSA in terms of value. It's an outstanding value and a very good pre-amp. George, I second Grannyring's accolades for your DIY support (this from someone whose DIY skills pretty much end at crimping spades and rolling tubes ;-)

Worth a try if it doesn't cost him even more money and time to rid the noise.
I believe he maybe just hearing the noise from too much amplification with 104db speakers and when he OMITS the active pre (and he has tried 4 different ones solid state and tube) he is reducing his overhaul system gain by maybe 40db or more, and this also equates to the reduction of the active component noise as well when he goes direct, remembering every 6db of added gain is double the voltage.

Cheers George