Armageddon and tripping

Posted by: ebirah on 09 October 2001

...no I didn't mean the Armageddon is so good I'm tripping out. Rather, approx 50% of the times I choose to switch it on, it trips my fuse-box. Tends to do it when I've been using the rest of the system with the CD source for a while, and then decide I'd like a bit of vinyl. Perhaps it's trying to tell me something? The hi-fi is on a dedicated spur that supplies a LP12/Armageddon, 72, Hi-Cap, CDI and 250. Although it never trips the circuit twice on the trot, the hassle of diving in and out of the fuse-cupboard is p*****g me off. Never once had this problem with my Lingo. Any help, suggestions or fellow sufferers?

Steve

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Craig B

quote:
Never once had this problem with my Lingo.

That is because Naim doesn't resort to using piddlely little switched mode power supplies in place of the real thing.

Assuming that the circuit is up to the task of supplying the kit safely, I would first try replacing the circuit breaker with a new one of the exact same value, as it could be a duff breaker that is at fault.

I would not hesitate to consult a qualified electrician if the problem persisted after this change (or before, if you do not feel comfortable changing the breaker).

Craig
the usual disclaimers apply...at your own risk, etc

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Paul B

I don't believe that the Lingo actually has a switched mode power supply.

Paul

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Craig B

Paul,

I stand corrected. I guess that my knowledge of the Lingo isn't so 'Brilliant' after all.

Craig

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Ade Archer

I have a dedicated spur that feeds CDX/Hicap/250, and if I have to power it down for some reason I often have problems powering up again without tripping the circuit breaker. The CDX is no problem, but it's when I try to switch on the Hicap and 250 on that it happens. I don't know the specs of the circuit breaker feeding the spur, but it can sometimes take several attempts to switch everything on without tripping.

Another thing I've recently noticed is the other day I was in my listening room (not listening to anything) and I heard a quite noticeable buzzing which on further investigation was coming from the 250. Then it went off and then on again several times. I was initially mystified but then suddenly realised that the buzzing was occurring in time to my wife switching her hair dryer on and off upstairs, which led me to question exactly how much benefit I was getting from a seperate spur.
Is there any way of reducing these outside
interference further as I can't help but feel they are affecting the systems performance.

All suggestions gratefully received.

Cheers
Ade

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Rico

It would be interesting if I switched on simultaneously 1xArmageddon, 2xHicaps and 2x135s.
Oh no it wouldn't... [assumes Vyvian Basterd voice]... it would be VERY VERY BORING! because you might well blow that fuse/breaker and hence have very little music.

[/Vyvian Basterd]

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

Posted on: 10 October 2001 by Bosh

When I asked Naim for a spec for a dedicated spur they recommended a 32A fuse (or MCB as next best) for exactly this reason

Posted on: 10 October 2001 by Arye_Gur

I have a new Armaggedon for sevral days.
A separate spure for a Hi,Napsc,140,Armaggedon -
and all work excelent.

The last component that trriped the main fuse was the Valhalla ...

Arye

Posted on: 11 October 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes

Steve,

As someone else has suggested, try to fit a more conventional fuse instead.

The current trip (I hope it's not an RCB / RCD - they'll kill your music) places additional contacts in the mains path and will sound worse than a fuse.

The contacts can increase mains impedance, increase RF and all sorts of nasties.

You know it makes sense.

Andy.

Posted on: 11 October 2001 by ebirah

Thanks guys - at least it seems i'm far from alone on this one. I'll check out the fuse this weekend and try and effect a replacement if necessary - seems likely from the replies.

Ade - I'm also relieved about the hairdryer! - I got quite worried about this around 5 years ago when I noticed the most incredible racket coming out of my 250; took me some time to work out it was synchronous with my wife's hairdryer. I've never had that particular problem with any other household goods...are hairdryers really that bad!

I thought I was fairly fanatical having a dedicated spur for the hi-fi - looks like I need a dedicated mains supply if I'm to join the ranks of the truly obsessed...!?

Steve