Woofer "buzz" on Summit

[Gordon Gray]

ML Amigos,

Need your observations. I recall reading about a "buzz" coming from the powered woofers on the Summits and Vantages on this wonderful site.

I just installed a new amp (Pass Labs 250.5) in my system and there's a definite low level (60HZ?) buzz coming out of both speaker woofer modules when I have the preamp sound muted with the amp and other source components powered up. The buzz is there regardless of the source component(s).

What's interesting is that I don't recall hearing this with my Classe CA150.

Anyone else experienced THE BUZZ?

G

 

[sleepysurf]

Maybe it's a ground loop, or problem with your amp. Do you have another set of speakers (with decent bass output) to test if it's the Summits, or the source.

 

[benleeys]

Mine does buzz, so long as it's powered up, even when the amp is off. But you've got to put your ear close to the grill to hear it.

 

[twich54]

I've yet to hear one that DOES NOT have a low level 'rumble', again according to conversations I had with Mr Powers, it's 'normal'. Personally I don't buy into the 'normal' theory but that is what he told me a year ago.

 

[sleepysurf]

Well, mine has NO buzz or low level rumble whatsoever! Might depend on your amp, other sources. FYI, I've recently upgraded to Volex 17604 shielded power cords (~$6 ea online) which I am using on my Summits. Then again, I don't recall any buzz previously with the stock power cords.

 

[jtwrace]

My system with Pass X-250 & Pass X-1 pre does not make ANY noise whatsoever. NOTHING. SILENT. DEAD QUIET! Hmm.

Gordon can you swap back to the Classe? I wonder if there is a gain issue between your pass and pre.....if you swap and it's quiet call Pass.

 

[jtwrace]

ML Amigos,

Need your observations. I recall reading about a "buzz" coming from the powered woofers on the Summits and Vantages on this wonderful site.

I just installed a new amp (Pass Labs 250.5) in my system and there's a definite low level (60HZ?) buzz coming out of both speaker woofer modules when I have the preamp sound muted with the amp and other source components powered up. The buzz is there regardless of the source component(s).

What's interesting is that I don't recall hearing this with my Classe CA150.

Anyone else experienced THE BUZZ?

G

Is it any better Gordon?

 

[twich54]

FYI, I'm speaking with regards to the Vantage's. Bass driver amps obviouslly different on the Summitt's or later builds have the issue corrected possibly ???

Vantage owners , what do you hear ???

 

[Joey_V]

I think my Vantages had a buzz/rumble of some sort.. but the Summits I have now, I have not checked. I will check and see if it exists.

Joey

 

[edwinr]

My Summits are very quite - no noise whatsoever...

 

[tonyc]

I do hear a faint hum from my Summit woofers but I have to put my ear on the grill and really concentrate to hear it. I do not think it is a 60 Hz hum.

 

[ralflar]

Gordon,

When the noise sources in my apartment are silent, I can hear "the buzz" from more than a foot away. I started a thread on this topic, too - it may be the one you remembered reading.

The noise occurs even without speaker cables and is therefore not caused by a ground loop.

I hope that it is caused by noise riding on my AC because I find it very hard to swallow that such amplifier activity should be "normal" in $5k speakers!

From the respones I have seen it may be a problem which is more common or at least more pronounced with Vantages than Summits.

 

[Jem90]

Do you think it could be the transformer?

 

[twich54]

FWIW, I just 'rechecked' my Vantage's and with my ear up to the grill it has a sound similar to that when you put ear to a large sea shell, in other words the soft sound of the ocean. I can tell you this, when I last checked, last spring maybe, the sound had a more pronounced 'rumble' to it. It is definetly more subdued now, regardless once the ear is more than a foot away I can't pick up a thing.

Maybe another follow-up to M/L is in order !

 

[ralflar]

The noise from my Vantages sounds like what you described, Dave, only louder. Louder because they are younger?

 

[ralflar]

Do you think it could be the transformer?

AFAIK the amps in Vantages and Summits use switching power supplies. Transformer hum sounds different, too.

 

[Gordon Gray]

Sorry to have bothered you all

Thank you all so much for the input. After investigating further, I found the problem and the "buzz" is gone. The issue was my interconnect between the preamp and the amp.

I have to say I am so impressed with the comraderie that exists on this site and the willingness of everyone to help solve an issue. It's trully amazing and I'm very proud to be a member of the ML Club.

Best regards and thank you all again.

Gordon

 

[Jeff Zaret]

Gordon,
I am glad you found it. There is nothing more irritating than something small which should not be there. Now if I could get rid of the clicking sound from the washing machine in my center channel. LOL

Jeff