Need Help with Hi-Fi Subwoofer.

[Wooferhead]

An old Hi-Fi subwoofer is making a loud humming, some may call it buzzing, noise when plugged in but not connected to any component. It is isolated in a different room. The transformer has been identified as the cause for the noise. Unfortunately, OEM transformer is no longer available as replacement due to its old age. My questions are:

1) Can it still be fixed? If so, how?
2) Can the defective transformer be replaced by a new transformer with the same spec from a different manufacturer? Will it cause any issues down the road?

Your input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[droid2000]

If you have one end of a long RCA cable plugged into the subwoofer, and the other end not plugged into anything, then you may hear a hum. Unplug the cable from the subwoofer, or plug the other end into something, and see if you still hear a hum.

 

[DVDdoug]

If it's coming directly from the transformer (not from the driver/woofer) it can be caused by DC offset on the power line. There is a thread here.

Can the defective transformer be replaced by a new transformer with the same spec from a different manufacturer?

Yes. (Assuming it's a regular 50/60Hz transformer and not a switching power supply.) In case you don't know this, the secondary voltage should be the same, but the rated secondary current can be higher. (You may not find an exact match).

Or you can replace the whole amplifier. But, there's a chance that the original amplifier has unknown custom-optimized corrective EQ.

 

[Wooferhead]

If you have one end of a long RCA cable plugged into the subwoofer, and the other end not plugged into anything, then you may hear a hum. Unplug the cable from the subwoofer, or plug the other end into something, and see if you still hear a hum.

There is no RCA cable or anything plugged into it, just the subwoofer alone.

 

[Wooferhead]

If it's coming directly from the transformer (not from the driver/woofer) it can be caused by DC offset on the power line. There is a thread here.


Yes. (Assuming it's a regular 50/60Hz transformer and not a switching power supply.) In case you don't know this, the secondary voltage should be the same, but the rated secondary current can be higher. (You may not find an exact match).

Or you can replace the whole amplifier. But, there's a chance that the original amplifier has unknown custom-optimized corrective EQ.

I would prefer to replace only the transformer if possible. The cost of replacing the whole amplifier is not justifiable for this old component.