Speakers low pitch humming, is it normal, or real issue with preamp?


I shall appreciate your experienced inputs. I just purchased pre-owned audio set, all used for 2 years and in good conditions. McIntosh Preamp C53, Amp MA462, B&W 805 d5. I noticed whenever the preamp was turned on, there is a very low humming noise coming out from speakers, can hear it only when get my ear very close to the speakers ( so probably it does not affect my normal music listening which mostly covers the noise). When I tried turned off preamp, and keep the power amp on, there is absolutely no noise, so the noise definitely comes from the C53. When I connect to the DA2 using digital input with coax cable, the noise is more pronounced (even without streaming source). I am a newbie for audio, am I too nervous, or this is normal since no component is perfect?

randywong

Showing 3 responses by oddiofyl

Its unlikely a bad component,  its noise and you just have to pinpoint it

Unplug video sources going into the C53.  Unplug their AC connections and start there.   If you are using the eArc on the DA2 start there it may a ground loop between the TV