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 1 response by newbee

newbee
4,794 posts
 
While it probably is the very high efficiency of your speakers there are pre-amps with low enough noise levels to make them silent, especially SS ones. What I suspect your problem might be is that the pre-amp has too much gain for your amp which has a high sensitivity. Most pre-amps typically have gain from 10db to 26db which may be too much. A pre-amp with zero gain might be the answer. With digital sources you really do not need added gain from your pre-amp (but this does not negate the other values of using a pre-amp). Think Placette or Wyred active units. Or, if you can deal with a cheap add-on resolution, insert a Rothwell fixed attenuator between the amp and pre-amp.

A remote possibility, easily to check, is a 60 cycle hum. Simply terminate the PC from your pre-amp with a cheater plug and see if it goes away. If it does you have sourced your problem if not your solution.

Hope that helps a bit.
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