Have your say & ask the experts!

Annoying Buzz

11 replies [Last post]
quince
quince's picture
Offline
Joined: 2 Nov 2007
Posts: 7

 Hi there - anyone any ideas on this. I'm using an Audiolab 8000A (have been for 20 years!) and have noticed a buzz which is always there even with the volume set to zero - as you increase the volume the buzz gets louder. I've been considering buying a shielded mains lead to see if that would make any difference but could this be coming from something inside the amp? What do you think - cheers for any ideas!

Robert 

quince
quince's picture
Offline
Joined: 2 Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Re: Annoying Buzz

Hi there - can't remember it being around - think I would of noticed! I'll check with the inputs removed - thanks for nudging me towards a little detective work!

rowemeister
rowemeister's picture
Offline
Joined: 13 Nov 2007
Posts: 55
Re: Annoying Buzz

Also check all your mains connections. Could be a bad earth on the mains or a bad ground between the components on the rca.

It is also possible your main smoothing caps on the amps psu are worn out

Brent

Thaiman
Thaiman's picture
Offline
Joined: 28 Jul 2007
Posts: 4228
Re: Annoying Buzz

After 20 years it would be wrong of you to stop the buzz! Smile

__________________

 

TW Raven AC - Soundsmith SG-410 - MSB 202 - Gershman Acoustics Black Swan - Audioquest K9

 

Mr_Poletski
Mr_Poletski's picture
Offline
Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 403
Re: Annoying Buzz

Sounds like intereference from your power supply is getting into the pre amplifier stage. I bet that buzz is at circa 100hz (rectified mains).

rowemeister
rowemeister's picture
Offline
Joined: 13 Nov 2007
Posts: 55
Re: Annoying Buzz

Yep that's why I think the smoothing caps are faulty. Too much ripple on the voltage rails.

Brent

quince
quince's picture
Offline
Joined: 2 Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Re: Annoying Buzz

Smoothing caps and ripple on the voltage rails... thanks but eh - I have no idea what you're talking about.

Following the detective work (un-plugging all the rubbish electric boxes from the back of the amp - freeview box being the worst) the buzz has all but gone! Hooray - now I need to find another excuse to upgrade.

Thanks for all your replies! 

rowemeister
rowemeister's picture
Offline
Joined: 13 Nov 2007
Posts: 55
Re: Annoying Buzz

Excellent. Sounds like you have a earth loop problem. Often caused by either the TV or digi box.

Are all the items wired to the same socket?

Brent

JoelSim
JoelSim's picture
Offline
Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 6949
Re: Annoying Buzz

Yes, when my dog comes into the living room the woofers go bananas

__________________

Unison Research CDE, Leema Tucana 2, Kudos C2 and some cables.

quince
quince's picture
Offline
Joined: 2 Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Re: Annoying Buzz

 Hi there - yep they're pretty much wired to the same socket via numerous extension leads / sockets etc. I do keep promising to sort it out but all the wires are such a tangled nightmare that I give in after about 5 mins!

Mr_Poletski
Mr_Poletski's picture
Offline
Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 403
Re: Annoying Buzz

user="JoelSim" wrote:
Yes, when my dog comes into the living room the woofers go bananas

ZOMGLMFAO!!!

Mr_Poletski
Mr_Poletski's picture
Offline
Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 403
Re: Annoying Buzz

Ah.. Earth loops.. when you rig it up, make sure there is no way electricity could go around in circles forever around your earth lines because, well when it can it does.