2. amps-preamps
  3. 1235953221

AR 150.2 noise

I have a "buzzing" coming from both channels whose pitch is B2 (the B one octave below Middle C). It is present when everything is up and running, as well as when only the amp and speakers are connected. All equipment is running through a PS Audio Quintet which is plugged into a dedicated line. I plugged the amp into a separate ac outlet on a different line with the same results. Swapped power cables, ran a cheater adapter and also used a PS Audio power cable with the ground pin removed - no real noticeable change.

I think I know the answer to this question, but is this buzzing normal for a digital amp? It seems I can hear it constantly, and from a few feet away. Is it in need of a trip to Minnesota? Thanks for any help.
wooguy1
wooguy1 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for your help. I am going to try one more experiment - I'll take the amp to my neighbor's house and hook up my speakers to see if the buzz is still there. If so, off to MN.

I still don't totally trust the a/c in my home. It's an old place with mostly updated wiring. The circuit for my audio equipment, however, is a dedicated circuit. I just hope there is not enough noise in the wiring to cause interfernce in this dedicated circuit.
eee3
214 posts
 
I also have the 150.2 and have not experienced the problem you describe. So, to answer your question it is not normal for digital amp, at least not the 150.2.
My question is has the noise been there every since you had the 150.2? If not, then it probably is the amp. Also, if the noise is there only when the amp is powered up, then again it is probably the amp.
I like Palewin leave my 150.2 on 24/7 and when everything else is off, dead silence.
Just as an aside, it might be useful to also check your preamp as well to be 100% sure.
wooguy1 OP
2 posts
 
Eee3:

I can't honestly say the amp was doing this when I bought it, but I do know now that I am really noticing it. Since then I have upgraded other components and changed speaker cable, so maybe this combination of things has allowed the buzzing to be more easily heard. There seem to be times when I can hear it from my couch, which is about 6 feet away. However, I don't know if it is really that loud, or I just know it's there and therefore it seems that loud.

Thank you both for your input.
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