"White noise hiss" through speakers.


Hello fellow music lovers, I have a newbie question so be gentle with me. I replaced my Creek 5350 with separates. I’m now using a Belles 21A Preamp with a Musical Fidelity A308cr. When I used the Creek, I could turn the Creek up full volume, and with no source playing there was not a single hint of noise through the speakers. Now, with the Belles & MF there is a faint hiss audible at 2 feet or less even with the volume at zero. Needless to say when I turn the volume up (with no source playing) the “white noise hiss” increases noticeably. Is this normal with a high powered amp? The MF is 225 watts per.
The speakers are Spendor S9s.

Any input is appreciated, THANKS!
tgyeti

Showing 1 response by kurt_tank

It may not be your MF power amp, (although it might be, as higher powered amps can have a bit of low level noise).

I suspect it is the Belles preamp, as it is a vacuum tube preamp. I believe you are hearing what is referred to as "tube rushing". It is normal, and should not be audible during all but the very quietest passages, like blank areas between songs.

Most people get used to it fairly quickly. Give it a chance to fade into the background, before you get too frustrated.

(FWIW, Unfortunately for me, this frustation from the tube rushing noise never went away. I eventually went all solid state to eliminate it. And to get solid state equipment that sounds as good as tubes, means spending a fair amount of money unfortunately!)

Good Luck and hang in there!