Buzzing sound from speakers

Posted by: Tariqv on 27 October 2015

Hi,

I am recently experiencing a loud buzzing sound from my Ovator S400 fed by NDX+SN2. Any thought?
Posted on: 27 October 2015 by james n

You may want to add a bit more detail to your question, ie how long has it being doing it, what have you changed etc... it'll save a lot of questions and probably get you a quicker solution 

Posted on: 27 October 2015 by Solid Air

First, unplug everything and plug it all back in again.

 

If that doesn't work, you're into differential diagnosis.

 

If the buzz is intermittent, chances are it's environmental rather than the kit. Do you have a new fridge or microwave? Can you try a different mains plug or, better, spur? Can you temporarily unplug everything else in the house and see whether the noise goes away? This should help diagnose.

 

If none of that works, especially if it's a constant hum, it could be the kit. You need to know which part of the chain is the problem. Try unplugging one speaker at a time (taking great care with speaker cables) and see if the buzz is in both. If it is, it's probably not the speakers. (Also try with another set of speakers if you can).

 

If it's not the speakers, go back up the chain. Can you try a different amp? A CDP or turntable? Try to isolate the guilty party. Then at least you'll know where the problem is. You could take it to a dealer and test it with their system to see if it still buzzes. If so, it'll need a service.

 

Posted on: 27 October 2015 by Tariqv
Hi, the buzz is constant and gets louder when the amp is in CD mode. I also have an AV amp and its connected to the SN2 via interconnects; when the SN2 is in AV mode the buzz is much less audible.

I have recently placed all the equipment on the newly purchased Fraim rack, prior to that I did not experience this sound.

I will try to unplug everything and replug, will let you know if it works.
Posted on: 27 October 2015 by Tariqv
I've unplugged and replugged but the buzz is back, nothing changed. I've turned off other equipment nearby such as modem, lights etc but the sound stays. Could it be the rack??
Posted on: 27 October 2015 by Tariqv
When I turn the volume knob of the SN2 up the buzzing increases in volume; when I turn the balance knob around it also switches from left to right and back again
Posted on: 27 October 2015 by SB

What position is the system ground switch set to on the rear of the NDX?

I would expect that it should be set to chassis, if it is the only NAIM source component. The fact that the noise decreases when in AV mode implies that the system is getting some partial grounding via the AV component.

Posted on: 27 October 2015 by Tariqv
Originally Posted by SB:

What position is the system ground switch set to on the rear of the NDX?

I would expect that it should be set to chassis, if it is the only NAIM source component. The fact that the noise decreases when in AV mode implies that the system is getting some partial grounding via the AV component.

Thank you SB, worked like a charm!