Carverfest Tube Amp Transformer Hum

Hi Angelo,

Nope...no concerns on this with the output transformers, just the PT.

Don, you should be able to change the diodes...those shouldn't be too hard to get to or change I don't think. They are on a tag strip right between the biggest cap and the one a little smaller. Same one as where Bob called the ground connection point as "Ground Zero".

I'm not sure how much diode change has of effecting xfrm buzz or not. But at the least it's a very good thing sonically anyway!

In the next couple days, I'll try to look up a couple of alternates that'd be decent quality and post them.

Mark

PS...I was actually referring to the screws that hold the transformer together, but the can over the transformer might get involved too! To get to the xfmr, you'd have to undo the screws from the bottom and left that cover off. You might listen at that point and see if the noise clears up even before tightning the screws. Also, check the four screws that mount the xfmr to the chassis. Heck, as far as that goes, you might tighten all the screws from the bottom side FIRST! Just in case....

Transformer buzz is actually a rather common problem and I think that I've seen where Hammond will not replace them when they do it new even.

Mark, thanks for pointing out the 4 screws. I had thought about that but didn't post because usually that doesn't become a concern [at least in my experience] until years or decades down the line. I'm glad you did mention it, though because after you posted it? That is about the simplest solution and it might actually work.

I thought of another thing that might work, although it will make a mess of the transformers over time. Take electrical tape and tightly wrap the coils and housing. Go about 10-15 times [wrapping tightly every time] around the transformers and then power it back up. See if the hum goes away. If it doesn't, remove the tape and follow the aforementioned advice.

I thought of another thing that might work, although it will make a mess of the transformers over time. Take electrical tape and tightly wrap the coils and housing. Go about 10-15 times [wrapping tightly every time] around the transformers and then power it back up. See if the hum goes away. If it doesn't, remove the tape and follow the aforementioned advice.

Tom,

Will the transformer get hot enough to melt electrical tape into a sticky goo over time, if this works?

Will the transformer get hot enough to melt electrical tape into a sticky goo over time, if this works?

...Don...better to take the tape, wad it up, and place in your ears...there...no hum!!!!!

Will the transformer get hot enough to melt electrical tape into a sticky goo over time, if this works?

...Don...better to take the tape, wad it up, and place in your ears...there...no hum!!!!!

I knew I could count on you for passing along expert advice!

Don- it is made to withstand more heat than sound deadening material would. Wrap it as tight as you can get it by "stretching" the tape. The glue is all that will melt-which may be a good thing to tighten up the windings a bit.

They are really good people. Call them back for the weight of the transformer, I was awed and transported.

They are really good people. Call them back for the weight of the transformer, I was awed and transported.

Reported SPAM.

Ok...where do we get replacement transformers and is there a guarantee that THEY will not hum??? Alex???

Kingman you have to leave that 75 to somebody soooo if you decide to work on yours live.....DIBBS

Bob's working on it:
http://www.carveraudio.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=16173&start=53

Mine are also quiet.