Noisy mains transformer.

[Phil Y]

Hello all,

The mains transformer in my phono stage has always buzzed a little but lately has been getting worse. It is mounted on grommets and I have checked that the bolts through the stack are tight. It seems to be worse when it is cold, it can easily be heard from the listening position. When warm, it is just audible from seated.

Is there anything that can be done, ie potting compound, to quiet it down or is the only solution changing the transformer if I can't tolerate it?

Phil.

[Ali Tait]

You could try swapping the IEC inlet for a DC blocking one, see if that helps.

[Phil Y]

Hello Ali,
I had vaguely heard of this so did a bit of reading up last night and it would appear it only really applies to big toroidals.
Besides, this Tx has always been noisy, it is just that it has got worse. It buzzed when it was sat next to the 2 silent Leak St20s I used to own. I think it is just another victim of modern transformer manufacturing.

Phil.

[Ali Tait]

Another option is to send it to a tranformer manufacurer to have it re-dipped in varnish.

[Phil Y]

Just considering my options, would something like this:
http://www.angela.com/hammondpowertransformer369gx.aspx
be suitable for running a WD phono with EZ80 rectification ?

Phil.

[John Caswell]

Hi Phil,
Which phono stage is it?

John