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Are my speakers supposed to do this?

Hi all. Thanks for reading this thread. I just put a new preamp (Eastern Electric Minimax) into my system and am noticing some weirdness in my speakers. When everything is on but no music is playing I noticed that both the left and right drivers of my monitors (Tyler Acoustic taylos) are moving forward and backwards very slowly but at a very steady rhythm. Takes about a second for them to move forward and then another second to move back. They repeat this cycle until I turn the amp off. This doesn't seem normal to me. I never noticed this with my previous pre. When I play music through the system it seems okay, no obvious distortion although I do notice my drivers moving (from my listening position 7 feet away) in a similar way - slow in and out although it doesn't seem as cyclical.

When I first put the Minimax preamp into my system there was a very loud hum and some static pops coming through the speakers. I lifted the ground on the pre with a cheater plug and the hum & static went away.

Did I damage my speakers? I want to try and trouble shoot but am afraid that damage already may have been done and I don't want to make it worse.

Thanks.
tooter
tooter OP
85 posts
 
Ykm - I don't think it's the amp. The person who sold me the EE MM has a dealer who pairs this preamp with the SAME power amp, Belles, that I am using.
tooter OP
85 posts
 
Just to update the situation - the pre was sent back and tested. According to the seller/distributor there is nothing wrong with the unit so I am back at square one. I've decided not to go with a minimax and got a refund and will start looking at other options. Just to be extra safe I am sending my speakers back to Tyler Acoustic to have them checked out and will probably do the same with the amp.

Bobby -

I checked the line voltage and it seems okay. I should qualify this statement with the fact that I bought a line voltage meter at Radio Shack. I don't know how accurate these things are but after testing my outlet at different times of the day it is within acceptable range. 120-126V.
ykm
5 posts
 
Tooter,
Same power amp, but was it the same speakers too ?

Regards,
Ykm
gregm
3,405 posts
 
When I first put the Minimax preamp into my system there was a very loud hum and some static pops coming through the speakers
Amazing that the pre tested OK.
Re, testing: Rather than the speakers, shouldn't you be sending the amps for a check-up??
tooter OP
85 posts
 
Ykm -

My speakers are middle of the road in terms of driving them (88db). They are basic 2 way monitors, nothing exotic. I've used different pres in my system and never had problems. I am convinced that the issue is with the pre, but I will be sending my amp for a check up just in case. What kind of speaker conditions do you think would cause the problems I'm experiencing?

Gregm -

It IS amazing that the pre tested ok. I have my doubts that this is really the case. My Belles amp will go back for a check-up soon. David Belles is out of town for a few weeks so until then ...

For those of you still following this thread my speakers checked out okay. No damage or problems.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.
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