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Calling all Von Schweikert VR-9 owners

Guys:

Do you know what is an acceptable level of transformer buzz for the VR-9s? The speakers have huge, 1,000W digital amps in the bass cabinets, and I'm trying to get a handle on whether noise should be audible or not--and to what degree. My electricity checks out perfectly, so that's not the issue. I'm listening in the nearfield, and combined with the fact that the speakers are 96dB with the bass boost on, maybe those factors are causing the buzz to be audible--albeit slightly--from my chair (7'+ away from speakers). My room is very quiet, so maybe that's adding to the audibility. I pulled the amps last night, and put Lock-Tight on the transformer nut and silicone on the back plate, but the buzz is still audible, albeit MAYBE a touch lower in level. FWIW, when I put my hand to the back panel, I CANNOT feel any vibration. Can anyone comment or share their experiences? Thanks!
hooper
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,927 posts
 
Hooper, I have not seen this amp or it's transformer design, but all ICE amps (including the one Von Schweikert uses?), generally run VERY cool.

If that's the case for the VR-9 amp, you could add automotive damping material around the transformer to quieten it. DIY modders and speaker builders have been using the "peel and stick" variety of this product for years.

If the source of your noise is electrical rather than mechanical, the damping will probably not work. In any case I would NOT make any modifications to the amp beyond a touch of sound proofing. Instead, contact Albert Von Schweikert and ask his advice.

I have known him for many years, If there is a defect he will make it good.
larryken
537 posts
 
Andy,
I'm getting some left channel transformer hum audible at my chair 12 feet away. Other db99 owner's have told me their speakers are dead silent. Kevin at VSA told me I could send the transformers back to them but I'm going to ride this out for now....room is acoustically treated and the circuits and components aren't the problem. For what you paid, they should fly someone out to Michigan....I'd send this via your private email but don't seem to be able to connect that way.
Happy Holidays,
Larry K.
rumney510
39 posts
 
May I ask who your dealer was please?
It is true all products can be defective at any price point. Looking for a forum solution to an enduser problem with a $60K speaker makes me feel for you.

Rumney
hiend3
38 posts
 
I was just at the factory and saw vr-9's. they dont maufacture many and I bet they might not have replacements for yours on hand, contact the B&O comapny. Heres what I picked up while I was at the san marcos plant. http://home.comcast.net/~jtgale01/andys_room.htm
hooper OP
396 posts
 
Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll contact B&O to see what they have to say, but I'm starting to think that the buzz is just normal transformer noise. I'm just over 7' away, and combined with the speaker's high sensitivity and my bat ears, maybe I'm being hypersensitive. And, Larry, I agree with you 110%--for what VSA charges, they SHOULD fly someone out. Even Kevin at VSA agrees with me. Thanks again, guys. Merry Christmas!
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