Hiss/white noise ET5

[applauz]

HI

Has anyone experienced a fair amount of hiss with the ET5. Hiss is there with all tubes tried. My previous Prem 16 LS2 was silent in comparison. Hiss/noise is constant irrespective of volume/output level.

[admin]

Couple of questions. When you say you tried tubes, you mean you put an entire new set in? If so, did the hiss change in quality with the new set, or exactly the same. Also, when you say hiss, are you sure it's not a 60 hz buzz, that could be ground loop issue. Ground loops tend to stay constant, that's why I ask. DId the ET5 always do this, or is it something new or a change from previous? Any new components in the system? Have you tried hooking up the ET5 to a different system to see if it's reproducible with a completely new set of components/power supply? Hopefully we can help you out!

I had "hissing" problem with my PV-12 and it turned out to be one bad tube. I've also had some ground loop issues in the past as well. But this clearly may be different.

[roberto]

Hola. If the volume control does not change the hiss, the problem is right at the preamp output stage. Contact CJ and tell them about your problem. They will guide you to track the problem. The unit should be dead of noise! Happy listening.

[Ray]

Just as a point of reference...

I owned an ET-5 for a bit over 1 year.
The preamp drove a pair of JC-1s, and then to Magnepan 3.7s.

The primary input to the ET-5 was a W4S-Dac2.

with the DAC-2 powered on, the DAC-2 selected as in input, and the DAC-2 NOT playing ANY music, I had NO audible hiss whatsoever.
If I run the ET-5 volume control up to 99...at that point, there was a bit of hum and a slight amount of hiss.
Moving the volume back down, by 95 or thereabouts, all hiss/hum was no longer audible.

Not sure if this helps much..

[ralphf]

In situations like this the amount of hiss you hear is to a degree dependent on the efficiency of your speakers. The more efficient your speakers the more hiss you hear.

[eagle6014]

Just to let you that your not alone in hearing hiss. My ET3 does it. Perhaps I should inquire about it as well. As ralphf said, I wonder if my speakers with their 94dB sensitivity could be the problem? I hear no hiss with just the amp on. When my pre finally clicks on, it's quite obvious. But once the music plays, it's no longer noticable. I haven't inquired about it b/c it's never effected the quality of the music. Pat

[alecs]

I to have the hiss experience problem with my et2. First insight was that it must be a ground loop but after several months of disconnecting and connecting I turned to my friend the MM. My amp DNA-1 measured +-3mv But the et2 showed 40-50mV My tubes probably have more then 2000hours on them, will a tube swap deal with this?

Thanks for reply!

/Alexander
Sweden

[admin]

Alexander, welcome to the site!

As for your question. It certainly may be the tube reaching the end of it's life. 2,000 is on the shorter side, but after a couple of 1,000 hours they can start having problems. I think a good place to start would be to replace the tube as this is easy to do and relatively inexpensive. Also, having an extra tube on hand is never a bad idea as you can use it to diagnose problems. If you get a new tube and no change in the sound/hiss, you know the issue is somewhere else.

I had a "hiss" issue with my PV12 and changing the tube resolved the issue. Not only that but it significantly increased the clarity of the sound which I had not even noticed was diminished until I put the new tube in and had a chance to compare to the old.