eth2 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I think I have a ground loop on my mono blocks. When I connect both amps, I get a loud buzzing sound. If I disconnect wither it goes away. How do I resolve this problem? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 have you tried shielded interconnects or separate power outlets (as a test) ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I think I have a ground loop on my mono blocks. When I connect both amps, I get a loud buzzing sound. If I disconnect wither it goes away. How do I resolve this problem? Thanks! A ground loop is a 60 Hz hummmmmm. Is that what your hearing? I wouldn't describe it as a buzzing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 It sounds like the typical sound you hear in your car's radio when you accelerate. I have tried to use plugs without the ground connector but it makes no difference. I have also plugged them into different outlets but again, no difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 If I unplug one mono block, the noise stops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 It sounds like the typical sound you hear in your car's radio when you accelerate. I have tried to use plugs without the ground connector but it makes no difference. I have also plugged them into different outlets but again, no difference. That car radio sound is EMI from ignition system, that's why they came up with supression wires and resistor plugs. Do you have a preamp connected to the amps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul79 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 (edited) And there is the million dollar question... If you have amps and preamp that are AC grounded, you have more than one path to AC ground, therefore creating ground loop. Edited April 7, 2014 by paul79 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I have tried to use plugs without the ground connector but it makes no difference Then it's more than likely not a ground loop issue. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 eth2, What changed to cause this to start happening? Do these amps have balanced or unbalanced inputs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 (edited) I just bought these amps. So the issue appeared as soon as I connected them.I spoke with a tech at VAC who believes it is an RF problem. I have tried disconnecting virtually all electrical devices. Interestingly, it becomes much loader if I turn off the preamp.Also, one channel buzzes much more loudly than the other. Edited April 7, 2014 by eth2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 I also pulled a tube from the front end and it makes no difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 Ok so turning off the preamp makes it worse, this is not surprising, that is why the power amps should be the last thing turned on and the first thing turned off. So is it a balanced or unbalanced input? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 (edited) I had a problem with 60 Hz hum from my erstwhile Mark Levinson ML-2 mono blocs, plugged into separate power circuits (I had no choice). Putting a "cheater" plug on ONE side totally got rid of it. It definitely was not RF or EMI, which can be controlled or varied by moving things around. RF = radio sounds, IMI = hum from nearby 60 Hx circuits. I also had a raspy buzz on my amps that turned out to be due to a dimmer switch on transformer-based halogen lights, not necessarily on the same circuit. That was cured by replacing the "incandescent only" dimmer switch with one labeled something like "for halogen lights" or something like that. This sounds like it could be that kind of problem. You also might try changing your Dick Cheney avatar! Edited April 7, 2014 by LarryC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joessportster Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 (edited) I found system noise can come from the interconnect cables,or power cables, system synergy / matching, nearby TV, or other electrical devices in the same circuit and can be a real PITA to run down. I wish you luck Earl Don't let the little issues you are having run you away from tubes, look on it as a learning experience, and next time you upgrade you will be prepared for the issues Knowledge is King in this hobby as it is many others and there is little substitute for hands on training Edited April 7, 2014 by joessportster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 OK...so I moved the mono blocks from the K'horns upstairs to the Cornscalas downstairs. The hum is almost gone. If you put your ear to the tweeter you can still hear it, but otherwise it is inaudible. Joe, it is tempting to pull out the solid state amp, but as you say, "look on it as a learning experience." Boy, do I have a lot to learn! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiser SET say Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I had a problem with 60 Hz hum from my erstwhile Mark Levinson ML-2 mono blocs, plugged into separate power circuits (I had no choice). Putting a "cheater" plug on ONE side totally got rid of it. It definitely was not RF or EMI, which can be controlled or varied by moving things around. RF = radio sounds, IMI = hum from nearby 60 Hx circuits. I also had a raspy buzz on my amps that turned out to be due to a dimmer switch on transformer-based halogen lights, not necessarily on the same circuit. That was cured by replacing the "incandescent only" dimmer switch with one labeled something like "for halogen lights" or something like that. This sounds like it could be that kind of problem. You also might try changing your **** Cheney avatar! LOL, I'm sure it's that Cheney Avatar causing his problems Now I can see why he gave Amy such a ration of CARP in the farmhouse thread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 I had a problem with 60 Hz hum from my erstwhile Mark Levinson ML-2 mono blocs, plugged into separate power circuits (I had no choice). Putting a "cheater" plug on ONE side totally got rid of it. It definitely was not RF or EMI, which can be controlled or varied by moving things around. RF = radio sounds, IMI = hum from nearby 60 Hx circuits. I also had a raspy buzz on my amps that turned out to be due to a dimmer switch on transformer-based halogen lights, not necessarily on the same circuit. That was cured by replacing the "incandescent only" dimmer switch with one labeled something like "for halogen lights" or something like that. This sounds like it could be that kind of problem. You also might try changing your **** Cheney avatar! LOL, I'm sure it's that Cheney Avatar causing his problems Now I can see why he gave Amy such a ration of CARP in the farmhouse thread Not sure what you meant by a "ration of carp" but it sounds fishy to me. As for Cheney, watch out because we have ways of dealing with our "friends"...especially those with a name like "Kaiser," comrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 (edited) Actually, I look like Cheney. I am often stopped and asked for my autograph. especially when I am in D.C. That is the real reason for the avatar. Edited April 7, 2014 by eth2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 So the problem is the speakers(?) or their location in your house(closer to some source of interference). What I was going to suggest if the amps have RCA inputs is putting a shorting plug on the inputs. This document will help walk you through the process of finding your problem: http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/generic%20seminar.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiser SET say Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 OK Mr. Gump, here's that refresher "With all due respect, it is just inconceivable to me that the Moderator could have been unaware of this event. It has been one of the biggest topics of discussion for many weeks. However, I take you at your word and am happy that we can count on the "New Klipsch" to support these events in the future (with sufficient notice)" I don't know what's funnier, Dick Cheney in your Avatar or the forum veteran above it. I'll suggest to our wonderful moderator that they change the title for under 1K post to Newbie Veteran with all due respect comrade Cheney shoots his own buddies so I'm well aware he knows how to take care of guys (I'm an Air Force Vet) like me as well. Now that you have told me you like like a Dick I totally understand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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