2. amps-preamps
  3. 136841-97064

McIntosh C2300 noise

I’ve recently noticed that there is a buzz in the phono section of my c2300. I bought this used from a dealer and they are are helping me root cause the issue. I thought i’d share here in the mean time. The buzz usually goes up with volume. Not only does the buzz go up with volume - the meters show some gain as well. This happens with no source attached. I moved the C2300 to a different part of the home with no source or amp attached whatsoever - turning up the volume knob jumps the meters.  Is this normal?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH9hYnTN-iw&feature=youtu.be
pistha

Showing 6 responses by pistha

pistha OP
31 posts
 
I do use Tele NOS in line stage. The line stage makes a very very low pitched buzz which isnt really a big deal when i start playing music. I tried moving the Teles to the phono section and still see noise shoot up with the meters dancing like in the video. This tells me the issue is much before the gain stage - but i am a newbie - thats just my guess. 
pistha OP
31 posts
 
It was a Glade Plug In air freshener.

 I tracked it down to an apple tv being too close to the preamp

I moved the 2300 to a different room - no sources or amp connected - still same behavior. Infact I used the dedicated refrigerator AC line - still same issue. 
pistha OP
31 posts
 
If you are using the main single-ended outputs to your amplifier, try using one of the other outputs and see if there is a difference.
@bondmanp - yes - i tried Outputs 1 &2 with same behavior. Differ with you on calling McIntosh - i get very curt responses. Luckily Audioclassics is treating me well!
pistha OP
31 posts
 
^^^^^^Excellent question.
grrrr
pistha OP
31 posts
 
 If you had no sources or amp connected to it, how could you hear the buzz? Is it a transformer hum from within the preamp itself?
the YT video shows no source connected but amp and speakers connected. buzz goes up and down with volume on phono section as seen. As a test - i moved the preamp to a different room with NO source or amp connected. Offcourse I dont hear anything audible as no speakers are connected and no transformer hum either - but the needle jumps as though there is gain/current. So clearly it's not a source or a cable issue. 
pistha OP
31 posts
 
@kalali - that was the first thing i tried - while it makes the needle jump - it doesnt change the noise - frequency or pitch. Am gonna try borrowing some tubes just to rule out tubes
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