Great suggestion...and yes, forgot to mention I tried both 4 and 8.
This 60 Hz hum is driving me crazy
I just got a new to me, Prima Luna Prologue Premium Integrated tube amp. Sounds great, but there is a "ear to the speaker" 60 Hz hum. Hum sounds the same if I adjust volume +-/ The only thing I have connected is a Parasound Zdac. Speakers are Rega RS1 Here is what I have tried:
1. I disconnected the Zdac so it was just the PL connected to the speakers with no other inputs. Hum still there.
2. While Zdac still disconnected, I use a 3-to-2 prong adpater to determine if its a ground loop. Still there.
3. The outlet is a new one added from our remodel. So I used an extension cord and plugged into an original outlet to see if the electricity was "dirty." Hum was still there.
Now here some possible culprits.
* The stereo is perhaps set up in the smallest man cave in California. The speakers are about 2 feet away from preamp. I will try moving speakers further.
* I am using crappy Amazon 12 AWG cables. I have some better ones coming from Morrow Cables.
* The stereo is in front of the panel that our internet wiring comes in through (I am in a condo complex). There is no wireless there, but perhaps I should set up system somewhere else to try.
* I am using the tubes from the previous owner...do I just buy a set of new tubes?
Is there anything else I should try? Thanks in advance.
Showing 12 responses by comedyzen
@russ69 haha...well, as mentioned, I am in the smallest man cave ever. Its a converted walk in closet turned office/stereo room. So even from a distance, I can hear it in between songs. I know its not too big of an issue, but at this level of hi-fi I have certain expectations...otherwise i would just get a SONOS. |
@dill Agreed and thats the goal. Looking to move next year but for now, the closet office is the only place I can set this up. I have one of those....what do you call them again, oh yea, a wife, that doesn't want so much stuff in the living room. Nor do I want it accessible to my 6 year old who loves to push buttons beyond their limits. @4krowme I used a plug pre remodel so I assume its on a different circuit. |
@dill got the little $6 yellow tester (figured it is good to have regardless). All outlets I have been using were OK. Also moved the amp out of my mini man cave into the living room and plugged into another outlet....and the hum is still there!!! I ordered the iFi DC blocker from Amazon to check that next. My new speaker cables came in too, and no help. If the DC Blocker fails, I will try replacing the tubes. Does anyone recommend a solid place for both price and good tube reputation?
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Thanks @dill! I will google their names. There is no phono stage on mine but there is a ground mount on the back for a phone preamp. To your point: Talking to someone from Upscale service. I mentioned that I lifted the ground but he still thinks its a ground loop. He basically told me to Google it and try other things. Haha
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@steakster I have too much going on to do that but instead, I plan to pack it up and take it into my office (which was built in the 60s) so I hope the electrical there has good grounds. I knew it wouldn't work, but tried it anyway. DC Block paired with the Hum Eliminator did not work. Also notice that the Hum will increase a touch if I turn the volume up. Is that a 120 Hz? Really confused now. Talking to someone at UA, he thinks its a groundloop and new tubes won't help. Spoke to a local dealer here and he thinks the tubes need to be changed. I am trying everything I can before taking her in to the doctor. |
UGH!! Fresh set to tubes from McShane...perhaps a slight decrease in buzz, but it's still there. Looking for Bay Area recommendations for stereo repair. I don't know what else I can do. FYI, Upscale Audio was completely useless and the customer service was quite half ass. I do appreciate that they got back to me, but their replies were very "figure it out or Google it." Which I did. |