2. misc-audio
  3. 1055143451

Transformer hum?

I have four different items in my system that use
transformers. Levinson 436 monoblocks, a Balanced
Power Technologies BP-3.5 AC Conditioner, an Anthem MCA-50 multichannel amplifier, and a
Monitor Audio FB210 Subwoofer. All of them are
emitting a low level hum except one of the Levinson
Monos. When I plug anything into the AC conditioner,
the hum gets a tiny bit louder. In the evening, with no music playing, I can hear the humming from my listening position. With music playing, the system sounds fantastic, but I've got to think it would sound better if I could get rid of this hum. It is driving me batty.

What have I got and how do I fix it?
rsbeck
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Agree that it could be the power. I will add that the power could be coming in that way from the street. One sure way to solve it, if that is the problem, is to use an issolation transformer. Those power regenerator conditioners are similar.
ljgj
955 posts
 
Try using cheater plugs on all units that hum.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Cheater plugs are for ground loop hums, which you hear through the speakers. Cheater plugs won't solve your problem if you have mechanical hum.

Your transformers are humming inside the gear correct (Mechanical hum)??
One term used to describe the cause of the hum is "DC Offset".

One potential pitfall of issolation transformers or regenerators, is while they will solve the system mechanical hum, it is possible they will hum themselves since they are getting the same bad power the gear was getting.
mmdecapo
8 posts
 
Where do you find cheater plugs and what are they?

Thanks.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Cheater plugs are an adapter so a 3 prong AC plug can fit in a 2 prong socket (one without the ground). They cost about 50 cents each at any hardware store, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

Audiophiles use them to "lift"/remove the AC ground from a component. They will work for "ground loop" hum, which is a low hum sound you will hear coming out of your speakers. They will NOT help at all with a mechanical transformer hum.
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