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New Transformer possible?

I have a Beard 500 tube preamp,I believe it was made in early 80s,I really love the way it sounds,fantastic highs,mids are spot on bass is tight and tunefull.The problem is noise from the transformer,its just from the preamp,But it is loud enough to hear from my chair. I hear no noise of any kind from my speakers.I would like to know if a new transformer would take care of the noise/hum.I could always get a new preamp, but to find one that sounds as good as this one would be tough,or very expensive.Any help advise would be appreciated. Thanks MAXWELL
maxwell
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
For a quick fix, take two "C" clamps, and clamp down each side of the steel plates that make up the 'iron' of the transformer. See if that quiets it down. If yes, you could have a clamp made (or make one yourself) to do the same thing in a more discrete manner.
Usually it is the laminate plates (the iron) that get loose and buzz. They use a shellac to glue them together, and age and deterioration breaks the bonds. No problem for the transformer, just for your ears.
Clamping the plates should make it quiet.
maxwell OP
11 posts
 
Elizabeth,thankyou for the advice I will give everything a try and let you know.How do you go about making a muffler, it is something I thougth about,but really have know idear how to make one.Thanks Maxwell
kirkus
502 posts
 
For a quick fix, take two "C" clamps, and clamp down each side of the steel plates that make up the 'iron' of the transformer.
If you go clamping around on an E-I core transformer, be sure to add insulation (i.e. a plastic washer) under one side of the clamp! This will prevent the possibility of stumbling across a configuration whereby the clamp shorts out the magnetic circuit.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
You could also try isolating it. Try several layers of good Scotch 33 or 88 electrical tape between the metal to metal mounts. Tighten the screws back down enough to make it secure, but not super tight. Try this method if the above doesn't work. The cabinet might be amplifying the noise.
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