I hear it only thru the left channel...just as in the past. i double checked this as soon as i heard it. The Gryphon Antileon is true dual mono...it only comes together at the power cord. (The Antileon signature version actually has two power cords.)
Gryphon Amplifier Crackle? Help!
- Thread starter LL21
- Start date
Hi...about 3 months and here is where we are on the buzzing:
1. Buzzing is exceptionally rare now. Tends to happen for 1 second immediately upon turn-on of the Unit. It occurs rarely...maybe 2-3x/ month (i turn it on every day).
2. When the buzzing does happens in the middle of playing music, it now sounds very different...much louder. Whereas before the buzz sounded like "snapping" and slight mid-range cone buzzing, now it sounds (almost as loud) as if i temporarily disconnected the Single-ended IC from the left channel. Very large, loud buzz as many of you know from experience. it lasts only around 1-2 seconds...after about 3 buzzes in a row, it stops and does not come back for the rest of the day (10-12 hours later on the weekends).
I am using a Neutrik SE-XLR adaptor from my CJ pre into the Gryphon and was once told by the manufacturer the connector might be (part) of the problem. Specifically, they said the connector was not always connected perfectly and could be causing the amp to malfunction over time. ie, is it possible the transistor issue that created the first buzz was solved when it went in for repair, but this SE-XLR adaptor was an "invisible" secondary problem that is only now coming to light?
I will probably reterminate my SE IC with an XLR output in any event just to get rid of the adaptor...who knows? it may also help this issue...thanks for any thoughts!
1. Buzzing is exceptionally rare now. Tends to happen for 1 second immediately upon turn-on of the Unit. It occurs rarely...maybe 2-3x/ month (i turn it on every day).
2. When the buzzing does happens in the middle of playing music, it now sounds very different...much louder. Whereas before the buzz sounded like "snapping" and slight mid-range cone buzzing, now it sounds (almost as loud) as if i temporarily disconnected the Single-ended IC from the left channel. Very large, loud buzz as many of you know from experience. it lasts only around 1-2 seconds...after about 3 buzzes in a row, it stops and does not come back for the rest of the day (10-12 hours later on the weekends).
I am using a Neutrik SE-XLR adaptor from my CJ pre into the Gryphon and was once told by the manufacturer the connector might be (part) of the problem. Specifically, they said the connector was not always connected perfectly and could be causing the amp to malfunction over time. ie, is it possible the transistor issue that created the first buzz was solved when it went in for repair, but this SE-XLR adaptor was an "invisible" secondary problem that is only now coming to light?
I will probably reterminate my SE IC with an XLR output in any event just to get rid of the adaptor...who knows? it may also help this issue...thanks for any thoughts!
Sounds like it could be a leaky (defective, or going bad) coupling capacitor... Those can be tricky to find.
Thanks Don,
I have been advised that whatever the cause, i might need to let the Amp fail completely...and then they would immediately be able to identify it and replace it. If you are correct, is this safe?
The advice was given by one of the UK's most reputable distributors, who looked after me with this unit (even though they did not sell it to me) and they replaced all the capacitors/transistors back in December in an effort to root this problem out. they took it back 3 months ago when the buzzing problem returned...ran it for countless days at a ridiculous load (something "impossible" to replicate in real live music playing)...and could not replicate the problem. Hence they they gave me the advice of letting the Unit run...and if it fails, they could find the obscure problem then.
thanks for any further thoughts, Don.
I have been advised that whatever the cause, i might need to let the Amp fail completely...and then they would immediately be able to identify it and replace it. If you are correct, is this safe?
The advice was given by one of the UK's most reputable distributors, who looked after me with this unit (even though they did not sell it to me) and they replaced all the capacitors/transistors back in December in an effort to root this problem out. they took it back 3 months ago when the buzzing problem returned...ran it for countless days at a ridiculous load (something "impossible" to replicate in real live music playing)...and could not replicate the problem. Hence they they gave me the advice of letting the Unit run...and if it fails, they could find the obscure problem then.
thanks for any further thoughts, Don.
Microshorts ("pinholes") in caps often happen at turn-on and can anneal with normal alternating signals (music). IF that is the problem, then eventually the cap could short, thus short-circuiting whatever its ends are tied to. This is generally a Bad Thing that can indeed causes other components to fail so IMO your concern is justified. Worst-case, it could pass d.c. to the outputs, potentially destroying speakers. I would find that at least a wee bit annoying.
If they replaced all the coupling caps, not just the power supply (decoupling) caps, root cause may be something else, hopefully something less inclined to fail destructively.
If they replaced all the coupling caps, not just the power supply (decoupling) caps, root cause may be something else, hopefully something less inclined to fail destructively.
Hi Don,
1. I do not know what they replaced...i was told it was a "complete overhaul" with an expectation that unit should run 10+ years given that it had received a "new Christmas"...and further that this included Capacitors and Transistors.
2. The original problem did indeed result in significant amounts of DC leaking to the speakers...which caused them to "excurd" fully out by themselves!!! fortunately, the coils did not melt and the speakers were fine.
Nothing like that has happend this time...just this buzzing. Fingers crossed, the buzzing does NOT get progressively worse...like before the "overhaul"...and end up becoming a DC problem.
3. I just twisted the interconnect to the LEFT channel of the amp...just a 45 degree twist to read the serial numbers...and the Left speaker cut out for a millisecond...presumably because the Neutrik SE-XLR adaptor lost contact with the Amp. Does this prove that the "adaptor theory" may have some merit? Ironically, i was twisting the interconnect to give Transparent the Serial number to get their advice on reterminating (so i could get rid of the adaptor).
1. I do not know what they replaced...i was told it was a "complete overhaul" with an expectation that unit should run 10+ years given that it had received a "new Christmas"...and further that this included Capacitors and Transistors.
2. The original problem did indeed result in significant amounts of DC leaking to the speakers...which caused them to "excurd" fully out by themselves!!! fortunately, the coils did not melt and the speakers were fine.
Nothing like that has happend this time...just this buzzing. Fingers crossed, the buzzing does NOT get progressively worse...like before the "overhaul"...and end up becoming a DC problem.
3. I just twisted the interconnect to the LEFT channel of the amp...just a 45 degree twist to read the serial numbers...and the Left speaker cut out for a millisecond...presumably because the Neutrik SE-XLR adaptor lost contact with the Amp. Does this prove that the "adaptor theory" may have some merit? Ironically, i was twisting the interconnect to give Transparent the Serial number to get their advice on reterminating (so i could get rid of the adaptor).
So, (perhaps foolishly or curiously), i gently touched the left SE IC about 5 times which goes via Neutrik adaptor into the back of the L-channel of the amp. Sure enough, i got a little 'snap' sound each time i did that...and the sound cut out for a nanosecond each time. This did not happen when i carefully touched the Right channel Interconnect.
And then...an hour later the buzzing happened...this time it was in the Right channel! Yikes...what is going on?! i have had buzzing ONLY in the L-channel for the last 12 months...maybe 2 other times has it randomly showed up only in the right speaker...3rd time today just now.
And then...an hour later the buzzing happened...this time it was in the Right channel! Yikes...what is going on?! i have had buzzing ONLY in the L-channel for the last 12 months...maybe 2 other times has it randomly showed up only in the right speaker...3rd time today just now.
Can they replace the connectors? And can you replace the interconnects? Seems like an an easy trial...
Heh this was my suggestion quite awhile ago along with the speaker cable as a possible alternative (although highly unlikely), my buzz that I mentioned was caused by faulty designed interconnect.
If possible Lloyd try an interconnect that does not need an adapter, appreciate this may be a right pain as I guess this may also require a different product to go with the amp, which is unfortunate if the problem is highly intermittant.
Still, the odds are that it is more probable to be something inside the amp as Don and a few others suggested, but I would want to rule out interconnect/gear connecting to the amp as well.
Thanks
Orb
If possible Lloyd try an interconnect that does not need an adapter, appreciate this may be a right pain as I guess this may also require a different product to go with the amp, which is unfortunate if the problem is highly intermittant.
Still, the odds are that it is more probable to be something inside the amp as Don and a few others suggested, but I would want to rule out interconnect/gear connecting to the amp as well.
Thanks
Orb
Thanks...i have called Transparent and spoken to the dealer here. I am going to have them look at the IC to make sure its in good shape...and change the RCA to XLR so as to get rid of the adaptors. Then we'll see...i am hoping the XLR in of the amp does not need to be changed. After all this to's and fro's, wouldn't it be a relief to be something simple and relatively inexpensive?
Fingers crossed...should get a quote on cost tomorrow. while it is in for repair/retermination, i will likely ask for a balanced cable as a loaner (and use RCA to XLR adaptors out of the pre...so the amp remains in direct contact with the XLR of the IC).
Fingers crossed...should get a quote on cost tomorrow. while it is in for repair/retermination, i will likely ask for a balanced cable as a loaner (and use RCA to XLR adaptors out of the pre...so the amp remains in direct contact with the XLR of the IC).
That is interesting...i have never had a problem with these cables before...and while the Gryphon has been in for repair, probably used them with 5 different loaner amps...all of which were single-ended inputs. if anything, i suspect it is the contact between the adaptor and the XLR-in of the Antileon. If i even lightly tap the adaptor gently with one finger, the sound cuts out and there is an 'electric snap'.
Lloyd,
any chance you can do a setup that does not rely on an adapter conversion for the XLR?
The Gryphon is only XLR?
Appreciate this may mean using a different preamp for a few weeks and that does suck I agree.
Transparent ICs are usually pretty good IMO, I use them and know quite a few others here do as well.
Cheers
Orb
any chance you can do a setup that does not rely on an adapter conversion for the XLR?
The Gryphon is only XLR?
Appreciate this may mean using a different preamp for a few weeks and that does suck I agree.
Transparent ICs are usually pretty good IMO, I use them and know quite a few others here do as well.
Cheers
Orb
Hi Orb, Thanks for your time on this...its been a journey for me, and its nice to have serious help along the way! I have decided to reterminate the Transparent Ref's anyway...yes, the Gryphon is only XLR and in fairness, they specifically state the Adaptors they provide are TEMPORARY...so may as well get rid of the Adaptors, if only for purely musical reasons. Plus, doing this allows me to double check the integrity of the cable, reterminate for a more solid connection, and get rid of adaptors - 3 possible areas which might be part (or all) of this problem.
So since i am going to do it anyway...likely ASAP...i will probably use a loaner for a week or whatever it takes for them to reterminate and send them back. Then, we'll put it back in and see what happens. Will post!!! Thanks again. BTW, i have enjoyed watching your system evolve on other sites...where are you up to these days? yours was one of the definitive systems i have seen out there.
Sorry to re-insist Lloyd but....is there a chance for you to get a long-term trial with a Gryphon preamp?... Beside the Green-bias future, which is a nice thing, the level of transparency, speed and tonality is just fantastic...and...you would be running fully balanced.
My two pesos...
Agreed,
I feel it is getting nowhere until a true XLR preamp (see what the dealer can loan as it does not have to be mega expensive) can be used, and to be sure with an alternative manufactured cable if the buzz is still there.
Sorry Lloyd but sometimes such pains have to be done to ensure you can be happy that the product is fine or not.
Thanks for comments on the system
I used to post at Stereophile and HTforum but I guess bit lazy or never resigned up at SP when it went to the new look (has improved now though).
Currently using Metronome transport, Devialet D-Premier, Sonus Faber Guaneri Palladio, cables are Transparent and Yter (for speaker), if nothing else it looks pretty haha, which is ironic as audio gear looks never bother me but it does mean there is no nagging in the house
Cheers
Orb
Thanks, Orb. i agree. we need to cleanly take ALL Variables off the tables, or i just run from pillar to post. i will speak with Dealer.
meanwhile, nice system...i know the Metronome, DEvialet and earlier Guarneri (used to own)...wonderful combination and serious quality of music. Enjoy!!!
meanwhile, nice system...i know the Metronome, DEvialet and earlier Guarneri (used to own)...wonderful combination and serious quality of music. Enjoy!!!
Hi...nice to hear from you. Yes, you have been consistent, and i respect that. Finding a Gryphon preamp is not easy. plus, i admit to being a little "stuck" on CJ...having enjoyed CJ in my system for 12 years. plus, i am now reading up on the new GAT...another SE pre...
i will certainly trial the system "clean" of the variables and see if the buzz goes away. fingers crossed. thanks for your help. hope you're continuing to enjoy your wonderful system.
Thanks Lloyd, tube addiction is a roller-coaster life! (I have tubes a all pieces except the phono stage)
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