I am a "humaphobe" and will not tolerate hum in hifi gear. I have 2 amps (tube and SS) plugged into a PS Audio Humbuster III (mostly for transformer hum in the SS amp...used rarely only for outdoor deck speakers), and my tube amp (Jolida jd502p) is extremely quiet anyway...you can stick your ear on the tweeter and barely detect it's on. Any issues remotely like the ones described here would drive me nuts, so my sympathies. |
Thanks to all for suggestions and information. I will try the amp at a friends house to see if that changes anything as the first step to finding the issue. |
The hum coming from inside the amp is likely coming from the transformer. Noise or distortion on the AC line from light dimmers, small appliances, refrigerator can cause this. The only way to know in this case is to remove your amp from a shared AC line. Or it's possible that the factory transformer may be mounted in such a way that it produces noise; (a common occurrence). When playing your system, you don't hear the hum because the music is louder than the hum.
Transformer hum can not be heard thru the speakers. However, your balance control hum may be the same problem I experienced with my Perseus Magnum. After about a year of ownership, a hum developed thru the right speaker. When I panned the balance control left/right I could cause the hum to vary in volume.
I sent it to Rogue and it turned out to be a bad VC. It was replaced and no problems since then.
|
Smrex.
Interesting that you seemed to have ha a similar issue too. Did your unit hum also? Did you have Rogue inspect that unit? |
I had a very similar issue. My Sphinx buzzed from the left speaker more loudly than the right, and when I turned the balance all the way to the left, the right speaker buzzed louder. I didn't keep the unit, and I've been hesitant to explore Rogue products since. To be fair, it was only one unit, but your experience gives me further pause.
Scott |
Simao.
It is quite true that the hum does not interfere with the music, my only issue is that if the unit is not operating as it should then I would definitely prefer to get that rectified, Rogue so far has been exceptionally helpful with emails answered within minutes sometimes. |
So let me get this straight: any hum or hiss you hear becomes inaudible once the music starts playing? When you're actively/critically listening, can you discern a sonic deterioration because of the hiss/hum? If not, stop micro-managing and enjoy your Rogue.
You have one of the better tube integrated out there for its price. You're going to have SOME hum or hiss. Hell, my MLA Statement hybrid integrated (originally $11500) has some hum when it's on. Does it screw up the music?
No.
Rogue is one of the most personable customer service entities out there. They'll help make things right as best they can. |
I have been in contact with Rogue the last few days. Nick has been very fast with email responses and has told me that the Sphinx unit should have no noise. He suggested that interference on the AC line might be affecting the transformer but has said if it is shown to have an issue then they will look at it.
I will take it to the store I got it from and see how it compares to their floor unit. Rogue will give me a shipping label if there is an issue.
What alerted me to the hum initially was the fact I could hear it with the unit in standby mode, a little disconcerting. |
By the way, the gentleman who purchased my Rogue Sphinx had to send it back to Rogue less than one week after he got it. |
Well here we go...I will never purchase another Rogue product. I purchased a used Sphinx and it was probably the most regretful purchase I ever made. In Rogue's defense, I never gave it enough time to fully break in (I bought it fairly new). I also heard swooshing and popping sounds coming from the left channel. When changing the inputs from the front panel knob, the right channel completely cut out. I sent this back to Rogue where they assured me they fixed the problems and after that, could not duplicate them in their shop. I sold the integrated last week and the gentleman who purchased it HEARD EXACTLY THE SAME THING AS I DID. Wtf? How could that be? But wait....it gets better.....
Four times, FOUR TIMES when Rogue said they would call me back for updates, or returning my call, whatever, they failed to do so. In my audio experience, probably the worst customer service I ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I know other people have had better experiences, and that's great. Not this audiophile. |
You indicate that you purchased this new. You should take it back to the dealer (if you bought it locally), and if the problem exists when the dealer hooks it up they need to address the issue. If it can't be duplicated, the dealer should be able to advise you so you can determine what system interaction is causing this.
Also, if you are comfortable doing this, power down the unit and remove the power cord, then remove and reseat all of the tubes. It may resolve or alleviate your problem.
As Bill_k suggested Rogue has great customer service, and you can call them too. |
I would suggest calling Rogue directly to discuss this. They are extremely customer focused and honest, and will do anything reasonably possible to address your concerns. |
