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Post subject: Is slight buzz normal for tube amps?
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:59 pm
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Hi,
I recently bought a Fender SCXD and really dig it. The only thing I don't dig is that it is not dead quiet (probably getting a couple of chuckles here). I will preface by saying I am a bit fussy in my expectations. Anyhow, in a dead quiet room, when I am not playing, I can hear a buzz (not pup related) that is somewhat like a quiet fish tank filter motor, if you know what I mean. Kinda like a 60 cycle hum, but not quite as obnoxious. I cannot hear it over a normal volume of myself talking in the room. I know that tube amps can have a little hiss, but what's your take on the buzz? Is it normal? Are my expectations unrealistic? I went to the music store to listen to another one and it sounded about the same. I was tempted to return it in hopes of a really or dead quiet one.

Thanks!
Will


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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:05 pm
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Are the tubes fan cooled? My mesa has this sound, but it's the fan that cools the tubes. It does not bother me at all, I like it.

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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:22 pm
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It's normal for my tube amps.

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Post subject: Noise
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:14 pm
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Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Now I'm not the most experienced tube amp player in the world, but I do know that lots of things can create "background" hiss or hum from a tube amp. Fluorescent lights, computer or television monitors are the typical culprits, but even wall power can make a difference. My Pro Junior, for example, sounds better in my house than it does in a friend's, much older, place. There are probably more obvious fixes too: just make sure the tubes are seated well in their sockets and that everything on the chassis is tightened down.

All of that said, I do think it's normal for most tube amp/house combinations to be a little bit different -- and sometimes, that means noise. The bar my band typically gigs at is horrible for amplifiers; they have a big electrical junction box directly underneath the stage that wreaks havoc on tube amps....Hope that helps.


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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 5:19 pm
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My DRRI certainly makes some noise.

Very softly it goes: swish shcwishh pop ssssssss bump sssssssssssssschhhhsss

Those old circuit designs especially pickup outside interference.
In fact, if you look at the tag on all civilian electronic devices, the FCC law states that any device must accept any outside interference (something like that).
Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

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Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:24 pm
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Well, I am certainly feeling the love for this SCXD. I've been doing some tube rolling and put a Jensen Q10 and it is fantastic for a total of $400 spent. I have never heard my Parker P-44 sound so sweet.

Thanks for the input!

Will


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