Buzz coming from power amp - not through speakers


Hi, first post here. I just picked up a Harmon Kardon PA5800 off ebay. It sounds great, no issues there. However, the amp itself makes an intermittent hum/buzzing noise (ie, the sound comes out of the amp unit, not through the speakers). It fades in, peaks, then fades back out with a period of about 5-7 seconds. Sometimes it's not noticeable at all, but occasionally it's loud enough to hear even with a moderate volume level through the speakers.

Anyone have ideas? DC noise on the AC line? Basic service needed, ie new filter caps? (I'm a tube guitar amp guy, not even sure this type of amp has filter caps).
logan7

Showing 2 responses by oldears

If it has a toroidal transformer, they have been known to buzz. You can try to reorient the transformer and change the mounting tension or possibly replace the rubber damping between the coil and the mounting washers with better materials from Herbies Audio Lab. Some of this can also be tried for the mounting of c-core transformers.
If you are using it with a TV, then you very possibly have a ground loop problem related to your cable or satellite box.
I use the L & R audio outputs from my satellite box to feed my receiver and not the outputs from the TV. I just mute the TV speakers.