Cables cannot generate hiss. A bad ground on an interconnect could cause hum, but not hiss. A bad conductor on a speaker cable would result in no sound at all. I would have every tube in my system tested and graded with regard to microphonics and noise. Many tubes are fine in low gain circuits(and can test better than new for transconductance, etc), but noisy as hell if used in phono stage or preamp circuits. In those locations the least amount of noise is dramatically exposed. With the rated S/N ratios of your gear- you should be hearing no noise at all. Actually your amp's 1 volt sensitivity/speaker's high efficiency should allow you to barely crack the volume on your pre to enjoy your music. That should result in less noise from the pre. If you have no hiss with just the McCormack turned on, and the hiss when the pre is on/in the system, with no source connected: It's obviously the pre(probably a tube) that is generating the noise. Kevin Deal would probably be willing to test and grade your tubes: (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/view_category.asp?cat=38), or you could replace them with his "Platinum Graded" tubes(click on "Tube Testing Procedures" on the bottom of the afore mentioned page). I've found Upscale to be an excellent source of tubes, and his testing/burning/grading procedures to be second to none. No connection, outside of being a happy customer.
Background noise problems
Hi,
I posted around 2 months ago on this issue, but like an idiot, I was due for vacation in Bali a few days after I posted and missed most of the conversation. Anyways, I have tried a few more things and was hoping for some feedback....
Here is my situation: I am getting upper-frequency "snow" coming out of my speakers. My current setup is a Gold-level McCormack DNA-125 amp, Herron VTSP-1a/166 preamp, and Sony 9000es CDP that has been upgraded to VSE Level 6, with Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature speakers. Except for the snow that I am getting (sounds like a snowy TV) the system sounds great. Unfortunately, I am hearing the hiss around 20 feet away.
Here is what I have tried so far:
1) substituting a Eastern Electric Minimax preamp for the Herron: less of the hiss sound, but still present. I am assuming the preamp has less gain?
2) Substitute a Consonance CDP for the Sony. Not much change in background hiss
3) substitute a Jolida integrated amp for the Herron/McCormack combo, input from the Sony: this virtually eliminated the hiss
I have had the Herron checked over by Keith, replaced tubes, and everything has checked out. The McCormack was recently upgraded, but it is possible something is wrong there. The Sony unit was also recently upgraded from Level 5 to Level 6, but the hiss was there before the upgrade and still remains.
A few notes: I hear the hiss as soon as the Herron is engaged, whether or not it is receiving an input. The hiss is the same on all inputs, whether or not they have an active input or are not connected. The speakers are basically dead silent when only the amp is engaged.
It makes me think that I have some issue with compatibility in my system with the Herron, but as I am still getting some background noise on the substitute preamp, I am wondering where to go from here. The Jolida intergrated was basically quiet, which is a good sign.
Where should I go from here? I have the makings of a superb-sounding system, but need to get rid of this background noise. It can be heard easily in the music. Thanks in advance!
I posted around 2 months ago on this issue, but like an idiot, I was due for vacation in Bali a few days after I posted and missed most of the conversation. Anyways, I have tried a few more things and was hoping for some feedback....
Here is my situation: I am getting upper-frequency "snow" coming out of my speakers. My current setup is a Gold-level McCormack DNA-125 amp, Herron VTSP-1a/166 preamp, and Sony 9000es CDP that has been upgraded to VSE Level 6, with Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature speakers. Except for the snow that I am getting (sounds like a snowy TV) the system sounds great. Unfortunately, I am hearing the hiss around 20 feet away.
Here is what I have tried so far:
1) substituting a Eastern Electric Minimax preamp for the Herron: less of the hiss sound, but still present. I am assuming the preamp has less gain?
2) Substitute a Consonance CDP for the Sony. Not much change in background hiss
3) substitute a Jolida integrated amp for the Herron/McCormack combo, input from the Sony: this virtually eliminated the hiss
I have had the Herron checked over by Keith, replaced tubes, and everything has checked out. The McCormack was recently upgraded, but it is possible something is wrong there. The Sony unit was also recently upgraded from Level 5 to Level 6, but the hiss was there before the upgrade and still remains.
A few notes: I hear the hiss as soon as the Herron is engaged, whether or not it is receiving an input. The hiss is the same on all inputs, whether or not they have an active input or are not connected. The speakers are basically dead silent when only the amp is engaged.
It makes me think that I have some issue with compatibility in my system with the Herron, but as I am still getting some background noise on the substitute preamp, I am wondering where to go from here. The Jolida intergrated was basically quiet, which is a good sign.
Where should I go from here? I have the makings of a superb-sounding system, but need to get rid of this background noise. It can be heard easily in the music. Thanks in advance!
- ...
- 17 posts total
- 17 posts total