IC's and Humm


I hooked up another amplifier that I added to my system. My preamp has two pair of outputs. Before my system is dead quiet. The new amplifier runs quiet as I tried it running my main speakers. But when I try it with a secondary small speakers I get humm....so I tried switching the IC's from my monoblocks(NBS) to this stereo amp which was connected using some ($100) Monster IC's. The NBS are dead quiet and the Monsters produce a low audible hum. When using the monsters the humm also increases slightly when I turn the lights on. I think the problem is that I have run out of dedicated ports for this amp....so I use a nearby regular port. Sorry for the long description but I'm wondering is it just the IC or should I have a couple more dedicated ports installed. I run 2 pairs of monoblocks,preamp,dac,transport....and to get it dead quiet is like a combination to a safe....it must have a certain layout or I get humm and my tube amps are realy finicky about it.
wavetrader

Showing 5 responses by wavetrader

Al...thanks for the input...I was pretty pround that installed 4 dedicated ports and having it dead quiet with all this equipment. I haven't the guts to put all 4 mono blocks on the same circuit....with the better shielded cable...A+... but with the Monster...humm. Another observation is that one VAC 140 will pickup humm if paired with another amp on the same port. So for now it goes solo...which leaves me with a unused receptcle....The Vac's have 3 different ground setting.....AF is used right now...but I have yet to experiment. I think I will contact my electrician...step back and then go foward. I have a general idea of what your explaining but this kinda of thing is frustrating.....thanks.
My preamp and amps do not support a balanced mode....just single ended....I tried a while ago running my preamp and dac on the same line with a conditioner....the sound was degraded. NBS advises their PC's direct to port.

Al....I will try running my subwoofer mono blocks thru one port and see what happens.....I plan to upgrade the Monster IC anyway as that is what's available now....If I get a quality shield IC and that fixes the Humm....is that ok or do I run the risk of some problems....

There must be many that run multiple dedicated ports....this problem can't be uncommon I would think. Is there a better configuration as to matching particular componets to ports....Amp-preamp....DAC-amp or amp-amp and so forth.

Roger
Al thanks for all your help....I think I have a better understanding now...appreciated greatly.

Roger