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

Hoorays!! It’s all your inputs and inspirations! Some valuable lesson learnt: I started to set up the components all over again (without much hope), unplugged everything, and plug in the cables (and compare different cables and inputs) one by one, finally I find the problem: my most trusted Audioquest balanced cable from preamp to amp was the cause of humming! I changed it with the much cheaper wbc and problem was solved! It’s always something minor that screws up the whole plan! I am a happy music audience now!

Make sure all your gears plugged into one circuit. Get a filter for your tv cable cord, try disconnecting Cable to see if that does anything.

 

Don’t sit so close to the speaker. Buy a puppy. Make a chocolate milkshake.

I definitely think you're too nervous and should try pharmaceuticals