Krell FPB300 - mechanical transformer noise.


I have an FPB300 that does not have the pinging issue discussed on another thread - my problem is a noisy transformer. I have measured approximately .75 volts of DC on my incoming line (dedicated 30A) and plan to try a DC trap such as PS Audio's UPC200HB.
The unit makes the most noise and is most noticable when the music stops or when the music transitions from loud to very soft - unit almost growls for several seconds and then fades away. I am assuming that this is related to the class A biasing scheme. Krell had no suggestions even after I asked if DC could be saturating the transformer - they acted like they never heard of toroids and DC issues. I am feeding the amp directly with a Wadia 850 (balanced) and it is driving Apogee Duetta Signatures (Audioquest Midnight Cables) Anyone experience this or have ideas? I am very happy with the combo except for the noise. Thanks in advance for any help.
landshark75

Showing 2 responses by rwwear

I don't think tightening will help the transformer. It is probably a bad transformer or a bad filter capacitor. It would be best to send it to Krell for evaluation. You can check for DC leakage from the Wadia. Krell does have a setting for tube preamps that may help in this case.
Transformer noise usually implies a bad transformer or at least a noisy one. I had to send an amp back to Krell years ago for the same problem. I was told they got hold of some bad transformers from their supplier. Mine was brand new so they replaced the amp. It could also be a bad filter cap but it is not as likely.