How much hum is normal from a new tube amp


I just bought a great sounding Lab12 Suara KT120 tube amp. The issue I am having is a hum that is coming from the transformers. I can hear it with no music playing faintly from my listening position 12 ft. away. The question is, should I return it, or is this normal acceptable. 

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xblue-magoo

The humming is most commonly caused by the magnetic field from the coils causing the iron core of the transformer to change dimensions--as it does so, it is vibrating, hence the noise.  To some extent, all power transformers vibrate this way, although most are designed so that the vibration is minimized and sufficiently damped.  If the noise is not too objectionable, you should just ignore it--there is probably not anything wrong with the transformer such that it will get worse.  In any case contact the manufacturer if you can about this issue to see if it really is a manufacturing defect that they will address.

Someone above mentioned checking the bolts that hold the transformer down to the chassis.  This is a very good first step.  If they are loose, the vibration from the transformer might be made worse by the poor coupling to the chassis.  If you are not experienced with tube gear, have someone who is experienced go under the hood because there may be high voltage stored in the capacitors that you don't want discharged through your body (amps can shock even when unplugged).  

Good luck.

The amp costs $5K+. You appear to have a return window. why settle on living with something that will continually be, at a minimum , an annoyance.

 

Have you tried a cheater cord? Or perhaps a different outlet on a different circuit?

ozzy

Yes a different chord and outlet. I have a Furman R8 strip. I haven't had any hum on previous tube amp.