2. amps-preamps
  3. 1375199393

Preamp Noise with High-Efficiency Speakers

I have Avantgarde Duo Classic Speakers, I hear a very audible buzzing noise whenever I insert an analog preamp. If I run my DAC (AMR DP-777) directly into power amp, the noise disappears. I have tried 4 different preamps (tube and SS), 3 different amps, a bunch of RCA and XLR interconnects, the problem persists. I have tried dedicated power line and two power conditioners (with Multi-wave options) and various high-quality power cords, so far nothing works, and I am forced to run DAC-direct into power amp. The buzz is not very loud but certainly audible enough to be annoying. There's no noise running the same equipment and power source into regular speakers, I am pretty sure it's just the Avantgarde (104dB sensitivity). Please share your solution if you have had similar situations. Thanks!
yingtonggao

Showing 2 responses by germanboxers

germanboxers's avatar
germanboxers
241 posts
 
Grannyring - just kick it up to the big ring, get out of the saddle, and power
over that voodoo!! Maybe it'll work for you?

In my case, I made the mistake of wearing a Tiki Talisman around my neck
and I too have had to live with a voodoo curse. Incredibly, having a
Concert Fidelity Linestage in between my DAC and amps actually sounds
more real, more live, and more enjoyable than running DAC-direct to amps.
Rather than fight it, I've resigned to just live with it...with a smile on my face.
germanboxers's avatar
germanboxers
241 posts
 
Hi Ying - I highly recommend buying the Jensen noise troubleshooting kit. It is inexpensive (or you can make the devices yourself - they give you the directions) and will come in handy for years to come as equipment, rooms and homes change.

I have 101dB/m speakers and recently installed a new and quite expensive Linestage and immediately noticed the buzz that was always present, but low in level, grew in volume to where it was annoying at the listening seat during quiet passages. With the help of Jensen's troubleshooting guide, I tracked it down to noise being induced in the 3m unbalanced IC's I run from Linestage to amp. With IC's plugged into the amp, but not plugged into the Linestage, the noise was loud and variable depending on how the IC was moved around. Isolation transformers on the IC's won't fix this and I couldn't move IC and equipment that significantly. My solution: my Audion amps have a gain control knob. I turned the gain down on the amps and use more gain in the Linestage. Noise has vanished.

Get the troubleshooting guide with special RCA couplers ($12.50) or print out the guide at the link below and make your own. You'll then be able to unequivocally identify the source of the noise. Dave and Bill from Jensen are also great and very helpful if you need help.

Jensen Noise Troubleshooting Guide

Good luck. You shouldn't have to live with noise nor should you have to settle running DAC direct if you don't want to.
Jordan
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