Hegel H160 problem

[pchmykh]

Hello dear users! Not sure about theme choice, but I need help.
My amplifier generates noises time after time. I’ve made a video for demonstration,

noises can be stable or lower/higher level. Maybe someone is faced with such problem? It literally makes my setup unusable. Thank you!

 

[amirm]

Is that coming out of the speaker or from amp itself?

 

[pchmykh]

Is that coming out of the speaker or from amp itself?

I believe that sound is coming from Hegel's toroidal transformer. It's audible, and makes impossible to listen music. It can be persistant, or like ocean waves - became louder and silent with cycles of some seconds. From time to time amplifier is silent. I have tried other location to exclude the power source influence, but the problem is still there.
I am far from technical knowledge, I can only guess it reacts to distrortions or noises from AC.

 

[Chrispy]

Still under warranty? I had to retire an amp making transformer noises recently (both the unit itself physically as well as making sounds thru the speakers), but it was 35 years out of warranty....

 

[pchmykh]

Still under warranty? I had to retire an amp making transformer noises recently (both the unit itself physically as well as making sounds thru the speakers), but it was 35 years out of warranty....

No. Sound itself is pleasant for me. At least in sessions without this noise.

 

[Chrispy]

No. Sound itself is pleasant for me. At least in sessions without this noise.

Just noticed they only have 2 year warranties, kind of surprising. Contact them anyways to see what they might be able to do for you?

So in your case it is just emanating from the amp case itself, nothing thru the speakers? How about putting the amp where you can't hear it?

 

[MakeMineVinyl]

That sounds like DC from high distortion on your AC power line. Its always possible the transformer is outright faulty with a loose winding internally, but it sounds like DC. If it comes and goes at different times of the day, its more likely to be from your AC power. There are filters to eliminate this and I think Emotiva makes one.

 

[Chrispy]

If it didn't happen before with his power wonder what changed? Or did this always happen since day 1?

 

[amirm]

If you are comfortable doing this, take the top off and see if you can tighten the bolt holding down the transformer. Sometimes loosening it helps.

 

[pchmykh]

If it didn't happen before with his power wonder what changed? Or did this always happen since day 1?

It did this always.

 

[pchmykh]

del

 

[pchmykh]

If you are comfortable doing this, take the top off and see if you can tighten the bolt holding down the transformer. Sometimes loosening it helps.

Yes, I am, and I've tried this before - doesn't help.

 

[pchmykh]

Who knows - perhaps someone on the same neighborhood stepdown transformer bought a new air conditioner and the motor is distorting the AC line. Power line issues can be difficult to pin down. Its easy enough to make a DIY DC blocker by putting two capacitors of roughly 4700uF which are rated at least 250 volts (for 120V line) back to back, and in series with the 'hot' AC power lead. There will be a small voltage drop across the capacitors and larger ones can be used if the voltage drop is too much.

Can this device help?

DC Block

The DC Block has been designed to improve the quality of AC electricity that feeds our audio and AV systems. Mains electricity has a fundamental influence on the audio signal as it passes through a system, from source to amp to speakers. The mains supply in a typical dwelling is subject to...

www.audiolab.co.uk

Does it match with specifications?

 

[pchmykh]

Just noticed they only have 2 year warranties, kind of surprising. Contact them anyways to see what they might be able to do for you?

So in your case it is just emanating from the amp case itself, nothing thru the speakers? How about putting the amp where you can't hear it?

I have contacted Hegel, and they told me this behaviour is ok. But it still makes amp unusable for me

 

[restorer-john]

I have contacted Hegel, and they told me this behaviour is ok. But it still makes amp unusable for me

Totally agree with you. That amount of noise would have me throwing it in the bin. I've sold many amplifiers because I could hear the transformer lamination buzz, even with loosening/tightening attempts etc. Make sure the top panel is not getting close to the toroidal transformer bolt.

Please try a DC blocker and if that doesn't solve the problem, then tell us. If Hegel think that amount of transformer noise is acceptable, they must be on crack.

 

[pchmykh]

I am not able to do it myself, I’m not so good at tech. I have asked Hegel for help, but they can’t advise me with certain piece of gear. I have googled audiolab dc block, but Hegel says it is not enough power for H160.
Maybe it is possible to ping me to some specific dc filter?

 

[Audiotone]

Did you try to connect the amp elswhere? (family of friends home)
if it has the same problem there, chances are problem is inside the amp and not the mains in your house.

 

[Geert]

We have a DC blocker thread https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...p-stop-transformer-hum.948/page-5#post-874337

ATL has a high power option https://www.atlhifi.com/product-tag/dc-blocker/page/2/.

 

[Geert]

If Hegel think that amount of transformer noise is acceptable, they must be on crack.

On crack ... or very smart, asking top dollar for something like this

Wouldn't come as a surprise if the transform turned out to be low budget also.

 

[pjug]

Having the amp in a cabinet might make the sound louder. It might be better if you put it on top or somewhere else, although of course you might not like that. I hope a DC blocker fixes it for you.