speaker cable static sound

1) If you suspect the speaker cables, slightly raise the volume when the static occurs, and wiggle all the offending channel cable connections while listening for instant changes (both speaker and amp locations). Not much can happen to "standard" speaker cables except poor or deteriorating terminations.

2) As mentioned previously, swap cabling at the speakers only to negate any speaker-related issues. If still from the right speaker, investigate that speaker.

3) COMPLETELY swap the interconnect cabling between the preamp and amp. If the static moves, it's that "right" interconnect cable. If unchanged, swap ONLY the IC connections at the amp. If static moves to the left, it's NOT the amp.

4) Reconnect these IC's back to original configuration, and perform this exact same excersize with the "source" to preamp IC's, thus attempting to eliminate any preamp-related issues. Option: If your "source" has a volume control, bypass the "preamp" and connect it directly to the amp's input.

By now, you should have the "problem" item identified. None of your other listed remedies would confine itself to a single chnl of audio playback (including TV), nor shielding of speaker cables be required. Your scenario sounds like intermittent electronics.

You can e-mail me for futher assistance, and will be glad to help.

Karmapolice,

Just to be clear, did you CROSS (not swap) the interconnect cables into the amp (left into the right chnl.)? If the static moves to the left speaker, it's not the amp or speaker cable location, thus pointing to either the preamp or source. Bypass the preamp if possible, as mentioned earlier.

Karmapolice,

Sorry if this responce comes through again, but didn't think it took.

Anyway, the IC cable crossing was to inject any right chnl static into the left amplification and speaker. If static continues from the right chnl, and you've exchanged the speaker cables as stated, the only remaining items are the amp's right chnl and speaker.

Switch the speaker cables at the amp, and if the static moves to the left speaker, it's your amp. If unchanged from the RIGHT speaker, there the problem lies.

If the static DOES move from the amp's IC cable crossing, it's your source/preamp.

Keep us posted...

Karmapolice,

Sorry that I'm not familiar with all your audio equipment.

Are both amps plugged into the same wall outlet, and/or outlet strip? If so, it's beyond my 40 years of electronics how malfunctioning strip protection circuits could single out any "matching" components plugged into it.

Anyway, you could also try running both amps into the same wall outlet directly, and the remaining components from another outlet (via extension cord) for testing purposes. My feeling is that your problem will return, but please continue with any recommended diagnosis.

Karmapolice,

Well done! Pending any simple diagnostic advice from LAMM, at least try swapping the tubes between the amps (individually if applicable). Other than that, there are just too many internal components that could cause this intermittent problem, and hard to diagnos without basic test equipment. You could pop the covers to look for obvious loose or damaged (burnt, etc) components, but would still require repair.

Sorry, but good luck...