Amplifier hum

[Pigmy Pony]

That's good - it means we can rule out an earth loop as the problem.

Lots of amps do have some residual hum which is low enough to get away with. Maybe Wazoos just hum a bit more than Audions.
Still, if the amp has a lot more hum when a source is connected than when one isn't it suggests to me that the amp is simply amplifying hum that is being fed into it along with the signal. Maybe the problem was there all along but the Audions have less gain, therefore the problem wasn't as noticeable. Do you have the volume control on the Wazoo at a lower setting to get the same kind of listening level compared to the Audion? If so, that would suggest the Wazoo has more gain, hence the hum at its inputs is getting amplified more.
How long are your interconnects and are they well shielded? That's where the problem could be.

I tried the amp in both my systems, one of them being just an Amazon Echo and some Celestion speakers and in a different room. The Wazoo is 75wpc channel, whereas the Audion is only 7wpc. But as I said before, the hum is only really noticeable through the super-sensitive Zu's. The interconnects are Atlas Equator and have had no problems with them thus far.

I need to sell one of these amps soonish as not being able to work with a broken hand is taking its toll financially. And it'll probably have to be the Audion, as I can't sell the Wazoo amid this uncertainty. Then I will get the Wazoo sorted (if it is indeed faulty). First off though, I should contact the guy who sold it to me, and see what happens there.

[anthonyTD]

All amplifiers have a signal-to-noise ratio. There has never been an amplifier with a signal/noise ratio of infinity.

[Mixc]

First off though, I should contact the guy who sold it to me, and see what happens there.

Hi That would be my recommendation.

RE: hum and noise, I have a large valve amp 1985 vintage all original (125w pc) into 90 ish db speakers just turned my volume to max with no noise / buzz / hum evident unless i put my ear to the speaker, and then its only just audible.
I supect its faulty, prob a cap failed or a dry joint,
Get it to Alan (Firebottle) would be my recommendation. Unless there is someone closer to you that you trust!

[Pigmy Pony]

Hi Mick,

No doubt there will be people closer who can carry out diagnostics/repairs, and Alan's is a bit of a trek (don't want to courier it), but I've met Alan, like him, and have faith in him.

I've just sent the seller a message, basically suggesting that I take it to be checked over and if a repair is needed, would he halve me on it? And I will cover any travelling/courier costs myself. Do you think that's reasonable?

I'll just wait now and see what reply I get.

Thanks again everyone for your advice and suggestions.

[Mixc]

I've just sent the seller a message, basically suggesting that I take it to be checked over and if a repair is needed, would he halve me on it? And I will cover any travelling/courier costs myself. Do you think that's reasonable?.

Hi Steve, I think that's more than reasonable.
If the seller is a gent he will offer to pay for the full costs or offer a refund, but you said you traveled some distance to collect..

Good luck i hope you get it sorted one way or the other.

[Pigmy Pony]

Thank you, I will of course keep you posted...

[Light Dependant Resistor]

All amplifiers have a signal-to-noise ratio. There has never been an amplifier with a signal/noise ratio of infinity.

Agreed, but reaching for something which suggests as difficult is what is needed, not resigning to accepting noise as being somehow acceptable.


Exceedingly low noise in an audio system, is easy to do by using optocoupling between stages.
and coaxial cables for interconnects, and speaker cables. Try it you will be surprised with just how effective it is.
Music then just sounds as it should, without noise.

In the case of the amplifier in question - images of its internal construction show very poor aptitude to applying such knowledge, as the volume potentiometer is
adjacent to the mains entry cables, dramatically increasing propensity for noise such as hum. I could add audio signal switching and mechanical volume adjustment
that is quite possible to also remove, once you have your ears and mind, set on expanding away from accepting noise.

[Stratmangler]

Thank you, I will of course keep you posted...

You didn't .....

[Pigmy Pony]

You didn't .....

Bloody hell Chris, you're right, I didn't!

Well I contacted the seller, who offered to pay for any repairs (if needed), or even take it back. I took it down to Alan's (Firebottle) and left it for him to check it out, and it he gave it a clean bill of health. That, as well as the seller having had no such problems led me to the conclusion that it was something to do with the rest of my set up. The Audion also hums similarly, but to a much lesser degree.

Anyway, I had Alan check out the Audion while he was at it, and he found the sound rather underwhelming. So he had a bit of a tinker (I was warned he has a tendency to do this ) and the resulting improvement in my system decided it for me - the Audion was a keeper. Anita preferred the look of the Audion anyway, so the Wazoo has been sulking in a corner ever since.

I now have it for sale now as I'm working towards making my second system "vintage" (as in a bit like my first ever stereo), and I cannot justify having a thousand pound notes sitting on the shelf, not when there are bills to pay.

[goraman]

I had the first Audion Silver Night phono stage (chrome body ) it was fantastic but I sold all my LP's and TT phono stage ect...
I have heard the Golden Dreams and would be very happy with the Silver Night 300B integraded.
What where you thinking to give up that amp. David makes amps that just sound amazing.