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My 1st tube amp: transformer buzz audible 15 feet?

I recently purchased my first tube integrated amplifier from a local shop. I continue to have problems with a buzz coming from the transformer, which I can easily hear while 15 feet away. Is this normal? Do I have a defective unit?

So far, the transformer cover has been tighten by the shop, and I plugged it into a variac to bring the voltage down from the 120-122 volts coming from my outlets.

After two weeks, I find the buzz unacceptable. Any ideas?
jackpage
ahendler
416 posts
 
If this is a new unit and the shop is local tell them you want a replacement. You should not hear any buzz coming from the transformer. Do try a cheater plug which will lift the ground
Also you could bring the unit to the dealer, hook it up and see if it buzzes. If it does demand a new unit
Alan
mechans
2,999 posts
 
Jaybo is correct times 3.
You don't have to suffer in this hobby.
In fact it should be outlawed.
Nervosa maybe nothing worse.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
It could be that you have DC on the line. I had this problem in my last apartment with my FirstWatt F1. There are two devices you can get to solve the problem (if it is in fact DC on the line!): the PS Audio Humbuster and the CI Audio XDC-2. Both are sold with 30 day money back guarantees, so if they don't fix the problem you are only out shipping costs. Both companies often have these as B stock as well.

May be that this isn't your problem, but solved my chassis hum problem pronto. One way to tell if DC might be the problem: was there an hum when plugged in at the audio shop you bought it from?
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Return it. period. The thing is making noise that is completely unacceptable to you.
It IS defective.
You can only return it for a short while when new. Do NOT allow the shop to screw you around.
If they persist in claiming they can fix that one, tell them to get you a new one, and then they can fiddle with that one all they like.
And yes you should give them a chance on accepting a new one. (perhaps even the demo model? if it is quiet, yes)
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
It is not necessarily the amp that is defective.

Does it make this hum regardless of where it is plugged in or what it is plugged into?

In my case, it was my apartment's cruddy power. The amp was a Nelson Pass designed and built FirstWatt F1. One of the best amps I have ever owned and lived with (the entire FirstWatt line is fabulous). The crappy receiver I had before the F1 didn't make this noise. Did I want the receiver back in my system? Heck no. I found the cause of the problem and fixed it. Thank you Humbuster and long live the F1.

I suggest systematically explore the issue until you determine exactly what the culprit is.

Regardless, I wish you a hum free existence.
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