2. amps-preamps
  3. 1234207139

buzzing from speakers

Recently picked up some used gear to assemble a decent, little condo system.

Recently noticed buzzing coming from the speakers when no music is being played. Thought it was speaker cable picking up hum from all the other cables strewn behind the wall unit, but after testing, that is not the case.

I'm concerned that the static electricity in my apartment may have damaged my amp somehow. I notice that almost every time i touch my equipment, i get a mild shock (because of the dry air in my condo coupled w/ carpet).

Could this have somehow damaged my amp /created this audible hum? I never noticed the hum in the past when i first picked up the amp, so i'm not sure if the problem has been there then entire time or if it's new.

Any thoughts?
loose

Showing 2 responses by ryder

ryder
1,682 posts
 
Occasionally I also encounter this electrostatic discharge phenomenon when I touch my amps, mainly because of the room that has carpet floor and thick fabric seats. I don't think the amp will be destroyed for this, but one thing is for sure -it ain't doing any good to my body if I get too much of this shock.

Audible hum from speakers may be due to bad tubes, bad power supply, faulty capacitors or any other failing parts within the electronic circuit of the CDP, preamp or amp. You may want to try isolating each item to determine which component is at fault.
ryder
1,682 posts
 
Kijanki, I agree it depends on what we're touching. I was referring to the metal casing and switch at the front panel of the amp when I mentioned it is unlikely the component will be damaged with ESD when touching them with bare hands. I wouldn't risk touching the inputs and outputs of the amp at the back panel with my fingers when the amp is running and risk frying myself. In this case, you are correct that the amp or speakers may be damaged. However, this is more towards plugging and unplugging interconnects when the amp is not on standby mode whereby this static electricity will send a loud pop to the speakers that may damage the tweeter or drivers, or the amp. I hope you are referring to this as I believe components won't get damaged if we touch them(the metal casing or knobs at the front panel) that subsequently cause this ESD to take place.

To minimize or eliminate shock when touching the amps, I am now more prudent by touching some wood before I touch the switch on the amp.
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