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 plato

plato
1,543 posts
 
As you know, the noise issue becomes hypercritical when you have very high efficiency speakers.

Make sure no power cables are touching each other or any other cables. Cross at right angles with a few inches of space in between.

Usually it would be the input interconnects from source to preamp. You could probably test that by switching to a shorted unused input and seeing if the noise persists. Also make sure the shielding in the cables is oriented in the right direction. When in doubt, reverse them. (Make sure your cables are shielded.)

Get the cables up off the carpet if you have carpeting.
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