2. amps-preamps
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Hum in speakers, and suggestions for stopping it

Hi, everyone.

Any success stories in scenarios similar to mine, described below? Grounding boxes? Outlet upgrades? Gadgets like the Morely Hum Exterminator (née Ebtech Hum X)? I’m looking for a non-invasive solution (e.g., not getting a dedicated line into the room).

The situation: I had each of my PS Audio M700 amplifiers plugged in to a Stellar PowerPlant 3. The system sounded great, but I knew I'd likely get better sound with the M700s in the wall outlet. I made the switch and there was a huge improvement -- so I want to keep this configuration.

However, there's now a hum in the speakers. Given that there was no hum with the M700s in the PowerPlant 3, I think it's safe to assume the problem is the wall outlet. I can't hear the hum 99.5 percent of the time when music's playing, but ... well, you know.

"My" electrician came out yesterday and said doing a dedicated line to the outlet would entail demolition and/or other options that aren't feasible right now.

Thanks much!

speakeasy412
rjsully0467's avatar
rjsully0467
6 posts
 

if you've moved your equipment recently and now have speaker hum, it could just be - as normb was driving at - speaker cables interacting with signal or power cables. Try moving the speaker cables around a bit, this has worked for me under similar circumstances. 

Good luck, and Happy New Year,

Rob

frankmc195's avatar
frankmc195
165 posts
 

If the amp is 5 years or older... a lot of the times is a capacitor or tube ageing. If you have restacked your components, the power from one may interfere with the other component if they aren't shielded from one another. Move any electrical devices away from the amp one by one to see if one of those resolves the problem. Some older amps who had wooden cases had a metal cover below to shield the electronics from florescent lights which caused buzzing in the speakers If none of that helps, locate a dumpster near your house. oh... make sure the positive speaker wire wasn't accidently connected to the negative.

speakeasy412 OP
4 posts
 

Thanks, everyone. Appreciate the input.

I've done all the sleuthing and the culprit is definitely the outlet/wiring to the room. Going to live with the hum till I figure out the best solution.

I'll post again if I have a breakthrough in the next month or so.

 

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