I've been using this Musical Fidelity Elektra E20 preamplifier with no problems for about 5 years. Just this morning (with no change to any equipment) there was a buzz through the speakers. After much troubleshooting I found that the preamp was the problem. Even when it's turned off and has no other cable plugged in except for the power cord and either headphone or out to the stereo, it buzzes. When on the phono channel it will also hum. I've tested multiple power and audio cables with the same result.
The buzz is very similar to a square wave. When I have it turned off and plugged in, listening to the headphone out, when I turn the volume the square wave phases a bit and and gets quieter as the volume is turned up (slightly).
So frustrating when nothing changes and suddenly you have a problem!! Any ideas?
The buzz is very similar to a square wave. When I have it turned off and plugged in, listening to the headphone out, when I turn the volume the square wave phases a bit and and gets quieter as the volume is turned up (slightly).
So frustrating when nothing changes and suddenly you have a problem!! Any ideas?
Do you feel a tiny vibration when you touch it or hear any hum from the actual chassis when nothing is connected but the power cable? If so, I'd blame the transformer. That's a weird problem I understand your frustration. Normally I'd go right to electrolytic caps going bad for noise like that but not when it's turned off, that's just sick.
Hey, Thanks for the response.
I actually don't hear a hum or vibration directly from the preamp when just the power cable is connected. No change there whether it's on or off.
I'm wondering how costly a repair this will end up being. Particularly with a boutique UK piece of equipment if I need parts.
I actually don't hear a hum or vibration directly from the preamp when just the power cable is connected. No change there whether it's on or off.
I'm wondering how costly a repair this will end up being. Particularly with a boutique UK piece of equipment if I need parts.
So when the headphones are in and NO other input or output jacks are connected and your preamp is off, you hear the noise. I'm assuming this is when it's power cord is plugged in. While you have the headphones on, unplug the power cord and see how long it takes for the noise to go away. Does it stop abruptly the instant the cord is out or does it take a little bit to fade?
That is exactly correct.
When I unplug the power cord slowly it definitely cuts out instantly, no fade.
When I unplug the power cord slowly it definitely cuts out instantly, no fade.
That's my first thought too Andrew. Try plugging into a different circuit? It has to be from the ground because everything else is switched right?
I've tried it on multiple outlets, a few that are empty. As well as a few different power conditioners/surge protectors. All have the same effect.
I'm trying to think of anything new I may have plugged into the apartment but nothing is coming to mind. Certainly nothing new, but I move things around to different outlets from time to time.
I know a good repair shop, I'm gonna pony up the estimate fee and get this thing checked out. It's driving me nuts. I'll report back when they get to it.
I'm trying to think of anything new I may have plugged into the apartment but nothing is coming to mind. Certainly nothing new, but I move things around to different outlets from time to time.
I know a good repair shop, I'm gonna pony up the estimate fee and get this thing checked out. It's driving me nuts. I'll report back when they get to it.
Apartment ?
Possibly/likely there is some unorthodox wiring configuration in the building OR someone's suite.
Test your setup in another building or ideally in someones detached house?
Before applying $$ to the problem.
Possibly/likely there is some unorthodox wiring configuration in the building OR someone's suite.
Test your setup in another building or ideally in someones detached house?
Before applying $$ to the problem.
I agree with Bare.
Also, if you have severe DC on the mains (neighbor plugged a crappy appliance in perhaps?) you might get this issue.
Also, if you have severe DC on the mains (neighbor plugged a crappy appliance in perhaps?) you might get this issue.
Hi,
It is possible that if the power switch have a noise suppressor filter capacitor across or parallel with the switch contact it is bad or going bad. If it is a bad it will allow current to feed the transformer still with the switch in the off position. Check the switch to see if it have a capacitor across the contacts.
It is possible that if the power switch have a noise suppressor filter capacitor across or parallel with the switch contact it is bad or going bad. If it is a bad it will allow current to feed the transformer still with the switch in the off position. Check the switch to see if it have a capacitor across the contacts.
I do it often enough without being electrocuted. I ain't saying leave it like that, just see if it goes away when it is lifted.
Hi n8tron.
I just fixed my with same issue,replacing 4 capacitors,which cost me 7 euros,and one small part which cost me about 4 euro.
I have one question .Did you heard sound trough your speakers before,when preamp was off and power amp was on ? I dont have hiss anymore,but I still have sound from my CD player trough my speakers,when preamp is off and power amp is on.I could even adjust volume on preamp when its off,but not getting really big sound,compare when pre amp is on.
I just fixed my with same issue,replacing 4 capacitors,which cost me 7 euros,and one small part which cost me about 4 euro.
I have one question .Did you heard sound trough your speakers before,when preamp was off and power amp was on ? I dont have hiss anymore,but I still have sound from my CD player trough my speakers,when preamp is off and power amp is on.I could even adjust volume on preamp when its off,but not getting really big sound,compare when pre amp is on.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.