Update: I tried a few tests with the cheater plug, unplugging one or the other XLR cables; no luck. Today I tried a new preamp using all the same cables and no buzz. I think I’ve done everything to indicate the Krell is the issue?
Krell Service - speakers buzzing
I recently started experiencing a buzz in both my main speakers, After lots of troubleshooting, I believe the issue is my pre-amp. When the pre-amp is on or off/stand-by, the buzz is there. When actually unplugged, the buzz goes away. It is a Krell KAV-250p. I bought it used in 2013. My questions:
1. Why is it causing buzzing? I am more curious than anything.
2. Is there any point in trying to replace the cables between the preamp and amp (XLR type)? When I unhooked them the buzzing went away, presumably because there was no longer a connection between the pre-amp and amp. My assumption was since both speakers are buzzing, that is not the answer.
3. If you all think the pre-amp is the issue (and there is nothing else I should try in terms of troubleshooting), can it be serviced? Is it worth servicing? I like it. On the other hand, always fun to upgrade a piece of equipment, except everyone tells me the KAV-250p is a good unit.
Let me know if there are any other details I can provide. Thank you.
Jeffrey
9 responses Add your response
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Thank you everyone. I am trying to figure out how to borrow another preamp. I don’t know a lot of other hifi people locally. I appreciate the link to the service center above. It’s looking that way as I really don’t want to buy a new unit if I don’t have to, although changing pieces can be fun. It’s amazing how many people like Krell and this preamp which leads me to hope it can be repaired. |
I agree with @mlsstl. Borrow another preamp and see if the problem goes away. I was a fan of old Krell myself. They need recapping every 7 to 10 years or sooner depending upon use. Regardless of your problem, if you never recapped it, have it done. Krell in Orange, CT used to service my 97 vintage models. Better is the site below. They will use better parts do a meticulous job IMHO. Insane waiting times to schedule repairs with both. |
"Throw a cheater plug on your preamp..." That's a good experiment to try when you have a hum problem the first time you use a new piece of equipment or install it to a new location or setup, but my understanding of the OP's issue is that the preamp had been working just fine for the past ten years and only recently started buzzing. That reduces the likelyhood of a ground loop issue and increases the odds that its an equipment aging problem. |
A simple alternative is to borrow a different preamp (or use the preamp output of an integrated amp) and see if the hum is still there. If the hum disappears with the other preamp, this indicates the Krell needs servicing. If the hum is still present with the other unit then you need to look elsewhere in your house for the cause, as Erik described. I noted this particular Krell unit was released around 1997 so your unit could be up to 27 years old. Its not uncommon for the power supply capacitors to need replacement at this point, but there are also other things that might need fixing. |
@erik_squires Thank you. This is all good advice and tests I can try. Greatly appreciated. |
It could be an incoming power issue but just as easily could be a power supply issue and should be serviced soon. Disconnect all the inputs to see if the problem stops. If it still happens, take it to another room or building to see if the buzz magically goes away. Another possible thing to try is to turn off everything (and I mean everything) else in your house. Turn off any other devices on the circuit, and turn off all other breakers. If your buzz goes away you may have DC or a noisy power supply somewhere in the home. Otherwise, no, your preamp sucks, it’s trash, and you should send it to me to save you the cost of recycling.... 🤣 Seriously though, the last thing you probably need to worry about is your cables. |