Krell FPB300 - mechanical transformer noise.

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.

It's not unusual for transformers to hum. This can occur when large harmonics are present on the AC line. I had this problem with a CODA amplifier and called my local power company out to check the lines and they found that the 10KVA transformer on the pole was going in and out of spec causing higher than usual harmonics and voltage swings. Fluctuating voltage can cause this as well. Most transformers like to work at 110 VAC. When your line fluctuates more than 15 to 20 percent you may notice a hum in your amplifier.

Filter caps can cause hum as well, most output filter caps internal to amplifiers are good for at least 10 years, that's not to say they don't go bad sooner than that. Its just a lot easier to have your local power company verfy the specification of the power than it is to pack up and send a 150 pound amp back to the manufacturer.

If it is your power, you might wind up sending it back and they won't find a problem with it, because their power is fine. Good Luck, Indiana_Jones

Just an update. I found a reasonably priced (used) UPC200HB and the mechanical noise disappeared immediately. Now I'm left with the nagging thought that even though the conditioner is non current-limiting it could be affecting my overall sound - can't quite put my finger on it but I will give it some time and listen under relaxed conditions to be sure I'm not imagining it. At least this points to something in the incoming power whether generated inside the house or from the service. I will try to track and eliminate the cause of the DC which will allow me to run straight from my dedicated lines.
In the meantime I will make a VH flavor4 cord to connect the UPC to the wall and enjoy the quiet!
Thank you for your responses.

Landshark75:How did you measure the incoming DC? what settings on a volt meter?

Indiana_jones: How did you get the electrical company out? My voltage flucuates (My APC ups tracks this) and I've got huge noise problems in my house.

Cytocycle,

I used a Fluke (I believe model 23) multi-meter set on the DC setting with the decimal at the hundreths. On another occasion I opened all the breakers except the dedicated lines to find a possible in-house cause but was interrupted when the wife came home, saw the power was off and gave me one of those looks!