Cronus Magnum II Buzz


Greetings, I've owned a CMII for several years now, which I've been happy with. It gets light use (lighter than I'd like), recently I've encountered a harsh buzz when I turn it on, one that's coming from the unit itself, not the speakers & doesn't vary with the volume or selector. It goes off after a few seconds. More recently that buzz will start when its playing, last a minute or two, & then disappear. From what I've been able to gather this is a fault with the preamp tubes, the 12au7s or the 12 ax7s, but before I run off & replace them I just wanted to confirm this, & ask if there was a practical way to check them beforehand.

If you're my age you might recall those tube-checking machines they had at pharmacies & hardware stores where you'd take the tubes from the TV to check, replacing any that reported bad from stocks in the back of the unit. 

Pity they're not around anymore...

Thanks...

andykatz

If it is coming from the amp itself, I doubt that it is caused by the tubes. More likely the transformers, I think. You might just ask the manufacturer. The reason I think it may not be the tubes is that trouble caused by tube failure usually is confined to one tube/one channel and will be heard thru the speakers. There are lots of other possibilities, the manufacturer would be aware of the most likely ones. 

I would start by pulling and then reinserting all of the tubes and cables connected to the amp (including the power cord on both ends).

Doing so will help clean the contacts they are making.

Do so when the amp and source gear is off/cold.

Sounds like a transformer hum, as newbie mentioned, which can hopefully be remedied by this simple exercise.

Doesn't read as being a loose transformer needing tightened down (from your description) but I wouldn't rule that out completely.

 

DeKay

Thanks guys. I’ll give it a try & see what happens. Really appreciate the focus away from the tubes. 

Incidentally, would gold solution contact enhancer help any to reduce recurrence?