Amplifier hum

[firefly0071]

When I have my McIntosh power amps MC50 (vintage) on and no source sound, there is a hum.

When playing music, it is hidden.

Does not appear to affect sound quality.

Should I have any concerns?

[Telecine]

Can it hold a tune or does it hum out of tune. If it is the former, no problem, the latter is a big problem ; )

Edited September 13, 2012 by Telecine

[firefly0071]

Well it is a constant tune!

[andyr]

When I have my McIntosh power amps MC50 (vintage) on and no source sound, there is a hum.

When playing music, it is hidden.

Does not appear to affect sound quality.

Should I have any concerns?

What do you mean by "no source sound "? Do you mean:

• source IC connected, switched on but volume control turned right down? If this is the case, I suggest you are hearing the intrinsic hum of the (vintage) MC50. This may or may not be able to be fixed (you need to take it to a McIntosh tech).
  
• source IC connected but switched off? I have experienced hum in the past, in this situation.
  
• source IC disconnedted? Again, I have experienced hum in this situation.
  

Regards,

Andy

[tal]

As per Andy, plus what's the source? A turntable?

[firefly0071]

Music server connected when there is no music played. Sorry.

Edited September 13, 2012 by firefly0071

[tal]

Ok, can't help with that one. My 'amplifier' hum was TT grounding related.

[andyr]

Music server connected when there is no music played. Sorry.

Disconnect the music server and see if the hum goes away;

• If it doesn't - then the hum is intrinsic to the amp ... so take it to a tech.
  
• If it does ... then the computer is generating it. So we need to find out why!
  

Do you have the music server plugged into a different mains circuit from the amp? (This can cause hum.) If so, experiment with plugging them both into the one Kambrook power box to see if the hum goes away.

Or try connecting an earth wire between the music server and the amp.

Good luck,

Andy