Amp "Hum" caused by dimmer switches


I just recently got an Acurus 100x3 amp to drive the front 3 speakers of my home theater system and I am disapointed to find out that my room light dimmer switch is causing a very noticeable "hum" that can be heard from the listening position when no audio signal/ low passages are present. I did not have this problem using the amp in my harmon/kardon receiver. I do not want to remove the dimmer and go to an on/off switch and do not have the money for a power conditioner. Am I out of luck and have to resell the amp? I bought it used from this sight so I can not return it. The amp sounds very nice when the lights are not in use. I'd love to get some sound advice! Thanks!
brentski71

Showing 1 response by alexanderj

I second the recommendation to upgrade your dimmer. Lutron makes a number of high quality wall box installable dimmers. I use 11 of their Diva Series units in my home. Even when they are all on, no hum. Other problematic items are diode (capslite) bulbs, anything with a high/low switch that uses a diode (will drive class b amps (usually subwoofer) crazy).

Another suggestions would be to use a different line to supply the audio system (or dimmer). Best would be a seperate dedicated audio line. Use a very low wattage bulb with no dimmer. Or if you want the ultimate no noise dimmer, replace the dimmer with a variac (variable autotransformer). They don't install cheap, but are silent.