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Amplifier hum - normal?

Is it normal for amps to emit a slight humming noise from the transformer when turned on?

I never noticed it in my old integrated that I lived with for over 10 years, but that was lower power. Now I've gone from 50wpc to 120wpc... don't know if that makes a difference here though.

I mean, it's not nearly enough to bother me or even really be audible past 3 feet away... but I am curious if this is typical for amplifiers to do this.
djembeplay

Showing 4 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
Some do and some don't.

From my experience, tranformer hum has no correlation to an amp's power rating.

It has more to do with the quality of transformer and amp design.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I have owned several SS amps.

Bryston 4B SST - no hum whatsoever
Bryston 14B SST - no hum whatsoever
McCormack DNA-2 - no hum whatsoever
Odyssey Stratos Mono Extreme - no hum whatsoever
Belles 350A Reference - no hum whatsoever
Belles 150A Reference - hummed like a $10 hooker
Pass Labs XA-60.5 - no hum whatsoever

My history with SS amps suggests that no hum is more common than hum.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Channel Islands Audio makes a CD blocker called the XDC-2. You could give it a try. It's available with a 30 day trial period (10% restocking fee applies for returns).

In my system, the XDC-2 knocked down the transformer hum, but it did not eliminate it completely.

YMMV.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I'm with Studio68.

Why not try the PS Audio Humbuster or the Channel Islands XCD-2, whichever is available with a home trial.

At least that way you'll determine if DC is the cause of the hum before you go messing around building a DIY DC blocker that may be unnecessary.
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