Just some update:
After I switched to balance table, the hum is gone.
Thank you very much for all your help!
After I switched to balance table, the hum is gone.
Thank you very much for all your help!
Speaker noises
Thank you for all responses. I will spend time to check everything everyone has suggested. And when things are finally solved, I will post update here. To be honest, I didn't really know what is a "60Hz hum sound", until I found this on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVZ2P0KsLic. Now I know, I think this is the sound I am hearing. I will start with ground loop and see if it is the problem. Thanks for everyone! |
First, if you already haven't, try disconnecting and turning off the sub. Second, looking at the manuals for the various versions of the Dreadnaught, it appears that some modules on some versions have a switch on the rear to select between the balanced and unbalanced inputs, and some don't. It is claimed that the switch is not necessary on the modules that don't have it, but I don't necessarily believe that. If you are using modules that don't have a switch, you may need to connect a jumper between pins 1 and 3 of their XLR input connectors. To do that, you would need a short piece of solid (not stranded) wire, that is of sufficient gauge to fit snugly, so that the connection is physically secure. Obviously, have the amp turned off while you are inserting the jumper. Also, the Dreadnaught's manual emphasizes that it is imperative that the AC safety ground connection of its power plug not be defeated, for performance reasons as well as for the usual safety reasons. If by any chance you are plugging it into an ungrounded (2-prong) outlet, using a cheater plug (a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter), that could conceivably be causing or contributing to the problem, particularly if the adapter is not connecting the safety ground pin on the power cord's plug to the wallplate screw. I don't think that the use of 24 gauge speaker wire, btw, has anything to do with the problem, although as you realize it is certainly non-optimal sonically. Regards, -- Al |
Hello. I am a newbie also. And I save spent a bunch on this hobby, so I feel I do have something to say at this point. If you want to think like I used to, then forget cables. Interconnect, speaker and power. My speaking about this on Audiogon, and other. Now how could I say this any better, you have to take a chance. I already know the best. But I am not going to sell you, but do not neglect them. Of course, the best cables do not come from the king Audioquest, unless you love the big seller. You can get them from them. Now, if you think any seller could, or would sell them in little derivations, then please get real. I know, and it has been in print other than me. |
As long as there is nothing defective with your cables, I really doubt they are the problem. Others have mentioned ground noise; I agree, that is definitely a good place to start. Also, are you sure you are running the theta in single ended as opposed to balanced mode? I use Ayre amps. Your Theta is designed by the same person that owns Ayre so there are probably some similarities between our amps. On my V5's, if I don't flip the switch to SE when using non balanced components, I get a hum. (Actually, that's not entirely accurate. If I use a really well shielded cable like Audioquest, I get no hum and can leave it in balanced mode. The only reason I bring this up is that it sounds better like this and may help you out in the future.) The only other thing I can think of is some type of gain mismatch between your components. I have a Wadia CD player and a VAC amp that I had been using for a while with no problems until I got a very efficient pair of speakers (Wilson). This led to a hum and I had to back off the gain on the Wadia. As some of the others have stated, I would first look at the grounding issue. It makes sense, and what ever you do, don't spend any $ until you are sure what the problem is. (And don't sell anything either. Nothing worse than taking your best component and getting rid of it thinking that it is the problem. I know from experience.) |
Unplug the power supply from the computer. Is the problem still there? I have a huge problem when I stream video from my computer to my tv/stereo. When it runs on battery, the system is dead quite. Ground loop. Suggestions above are great. I have a Jensen transformer and it it is a blessing if you have cable tv. |
Speaker noises? Like a 60Hz hum sound? 60Hz hum, more than likely you have a ground loop problem. If you have the system connected to a CATV cable box try disconnecting the incoming cable company coax cable from the box. Check for hum. Hum gone? Pick up an coax cable isolator. Jensen makes a good one. Might find a used one here or on Agon. #24 gauge wire is 3 sizes smaller than #18. You could parallel the #24 two or three times increasing the size of the conductor. . |
Couple of things to look for: AC Line. Possible you have a noisey AC line. Checkout your outlet and determine if it's the cheap ole 59ยข with below average connectors. Are there other components NON HiFi on the AC circuit? Solution: Insert AC Noise Haverester and/or replace cheap outlets. Later install dedicated AC line. Speakers Cables. Ensure your cables (bare strands) are twisted and not touching outside the terminal posts. And ensure cables are not touching other cables which may not be shielded. Power Cables. |