Interconnect Distortion

[Allan]

Anyone had it, why?

 

 

[almikel]

21 minutes ago, Allan said:

Anyone had it, why?

 

 

not with anything I've built from new.

Yes with interconnects with old gear - usually treatment with DeOxit on the outputs/inputs fixes it.

 

Mike

[catman]

G'day all, an interesting question.  During my work days I did see similar things caused by oxide build up/diodic tendencies on various connectors in telecommunications service, and also in hi fi applications over the years.  The connectors have always been the cause of the issue, never the interconnects themselves.  My thoughts anyway.  Regards, Felix.    

Edited November 17, 2024 by catman
Addition.

[aussievintage]

Just a picky semantic thing, but I don't describe the sound of a bad connection as distortion.   So, are you hearing something that sounds like signal distortion, or just buzzes,  crackles and drop outs from a bad connection?

[Allan]

I've heard it in the upper bass region, was using a 6SN7 based pre so could have been a bad tube.. 

[aussievintage]

9 minutes ago, Allan said:

I've heard it in the upper bass region, was using a 6SN7 based pre so could have been a bad tube.. 

 

Yes but you still don't describe what you are hearing.  If it's not buzz, crackle, dropout, maybe it's something else, not from the interconnects.  Distortion in the upper bass sounds  like a speaker problem.

[Allan]

It's a buzz type sound, I replaced the speaker tweeter when it made no noticeable difference. Couldn't find anything loose in the enclosure either. I also removed the bass driver to check the spider adheive when it appears to be fine. It's coil made no noise when moving by hand. I rotated the driver 180 deg too but no improvement 

[aussievintage]

28 minutes ago, Allan said:

It's a buzz type sound, I replaced the speaker tweeter when it made no noticeable difference. Couldn't find anything loose in the enclosure either. I also removed the bass driver to check the spider adheive when it appears to be fine. It's coil made no noise when moving by hand. I rotated the driver 180 deg too but no improvement 

 

Voice coil rubbing would have been my suggestion for rubbing - but you've checked for that.  Also, a vibration seemed likely, but you've also checked for that - although they can be notoriously hard to locate.  Check the crossover and port hardware closely, if applicable.  Also check around your room - directions of sound can be deceiving sometimes.

[Allan]

Already checked port, its fine so xover is next on radar 

[almikel]

could you describe your setup - what amp, speakers etc?

 

some tube amps by their design have some power supply noise (ie hum - a low power supply rejection ration (PSRR)), which may be able to be heard with sensitive speakers.

Some reputable valve amp manufacturers actually quote their hum levels - because they've gone to great lengths to reduce them, ie improving PSRR

 

Mike

[andyr]

3 hours ago, almikel said:

some tube amps by their design have some power supply noise (ie hum - a low power supply rejection ration (PSRR)), which may be able to be heard with sensitive speakers.

 

And some tube setups are absolutely noise-free!  

 

I set up a TT at the weekend, at a place which had:

• Weston tube monoblocs
• a Weston preamp
• and a Zesto (tube) phono stage.

 

I could hear nothing ... with my ear against the spkrs.  Sensational!  

 

[almikel]

 

On 19/12/2024 at 4:30 PM, almikel said:

Some reputable valve amp manufacturers actually quote their hum levels - because they've gone to great lengths to reduce them, ie improving PSRR

 

 

23 hours ago, andyr said:

I set up a TT at the weekend, at a place which had:

• Weston tube monoblocs
• a Weston preamp

Weston is one of the tube amp companies that quote their hum levels 

[Allan]

Solid state amp, adjustable gain tubed pre. Its dead silent. Brand is irrelevant but FYI Krell, Levinson or Pass amp n Supratek 6SN7

Edited December 20, 2024 by Allan

[almikel]

On 20/12/2024 at 10:24 PM, Allan said:

Solid state amp, adjustable gain tubed pre. Its dead silent. Brand is irrelevant but FYI Krell, Levinson or Pass amp n Supratek 6SN7

if you have a buzz, it sounds like an earth loop somewhere - which can be difficult to track down and eradicate