AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Audio by Van Alstine => Topic started by: avahifi on 20 Feb 2013, 10:07 pm
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We can build the AVA HumDinger (DC hum blocker now). Give us a call at 651-330-9871 if you want one.
The unit has: IEC 3 conductor AC socket in and power cord, two x 3 conductor standard AC sockets out. 10 amp slow blow fuse on the incoming AC line. Size is 6" x 2.5" x 4.5" in heavy steel chassis with black powdercoat finish.
What it will do:
Block low level DC voltage sitting on your AC power line because of other devices on your line using power asymmetrically. The low level DC tends to make toroid power transformers hum, but not limited to just toroids.
The HumDinger also has a transient surge absorber on its incoming hot circuit that will somewhat reduce turn on surge currents in your equipment, prolonging power switch and electronic component life.
Plug your power amplifier into one of its AC outlets, and your preamp or a AC terminal strip for the rest of your equipment into its other AC outlet and DC related hum will be dinged.
What the HumDinger will not do:
Provide RFI or line over voltage protection. You need a dedicated suppressor for that, the simplest being an AC outlet strip designed for computer AC line protection.
Cure hum issues causes simply by a defective noisy power transformer or hum from your speakers caused by any number of grounding or system defect issues.
Note that the 10 amp slow blow fuse is provided as a very conservative first step with this product. Under normal conditions the high current, high voltage internal diode bridges won't even get warm. We can't run our system loud enough here with a Fet Valve 600R attached to heat the HumDinger up and don't blow the fuse then either. Sustained very high current demands may get the HumDinger hot. We recommend that only a single high power amplifier be connected and turned on at any given time.
The Humdinger is inexpensive, solidly made, it works, and its available now. The price for now is $140 plus $15 shipping. Again, call us at 651-330-9871 and we will build you one promptly. Standard AVA warranty and satisfaction guarantee applies.
Frank Van Alstine
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=75648)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=75649)
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Can I have serial number 001? Count me in! My credit card info will be provided tomorrow AM. :thumb:
Steve
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Very Cool! Looks good as well.
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Hay Frank, I was just going to order. How do I plug my amp in? ( ya, I know with two fingers and push :lol:) My amp has a two conductor power cord not an IEC 3 conductor power cord?
:smoke:
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Hi Mark,
The IEC end of the humdinger is for the power cord that we supply to plug into your wall. The ac outlet end is for you to plug your amplifier into.
Mary
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Hay Mary, Ya I got that but my amp has a two prong non grounded plug not a three prong grounded plug.
:smoke:
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Mark,
Your 2 prong ac cord will fit into the ac outlet just like it fits into any 3 prong socket in your wall at home.
Mary
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Ok, Think Mary, I well take one.
:smoke:
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Oh Mountain-ear, sorry I order today but I told Mary I don't need #1 :lol:. Most likey there is someone eles before us any way :wink:
:smoke:
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Mine is ordered. They are going fast!
Paul
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Note that the 10 amp slow blow fuse is provided as a very conservative first step with this product.
So, just for fun; what's the highest amp-rated fuse you would suggest if going past the first few steps were to become necessary? :D
It's always a pleasure to speak with Mary when calling your shop. The music in the background sounded very nice, too. :thumb:
Have fun,
Jerry
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First of all we are
almost now sold out of our first small run of HumDinger chassis. Only one left right now!
Second, regarding fuse size, obviously a 15 amp slow blow would be the absolute maximum on a home AC circuit. If you often blow 10 amp slow blow fuses, I would suggest that you go no higher than a 12 amp slow blow fuse. Check to see if the box is getting hot before increasing fuse size. The diode bridges are very rugged, with a 25 ampere and 600V rating but the HumDinger chassis is not an infinite heat sink. Proceed with some rationality please.
We are checking now with our sheet metal house for the lead time on more chassis and covers, at least the initial tooling is done and paid for. The metal design is Wayner's work of course and everything fits perfectly as always.
Frank Van Alstine
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Wow, those went fast. I wish I could have pre-orderd as I'd wanted to, only saw this today...
Will there be another run produced?
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The metal design is Wayner's work of course and everything fits perfectly as always.
You da man, Wayner! Should I get one?
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Mine mailed out today. I will report back on the mild amplifier hum I have now once I hook it up. If I'm lucky, I can post the first home user picture of the HumDinger in action!
Paul
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You da man, Wayner! Should I get one?
Yes! Good to hear from you Henry!!!!
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The only reason to get one is to solve the hum problem! If you have a component that physically hums, that is it's chassis is buzzing, then you might need one. If the chassis doesn't buzz 24 by 7 but at about the same time every day, that's a good sign. Note that at some location's it can be a problem 24 by 7. If it buzzes at your house but not at a distant friends house that could be a good sign. If it's a legacy component designed for 110 or 115 Volts rather than the now common 120 or 125 Volt's.
What's happening is lots of new electric components create high harmonic distortion on the AC power line. This distortion can create a DC off-set on the AC line. Some component power transformers don't like DC off-set and physically buzz.
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I never touched on the bigger problem. If the DC offset causes the transformer's core to saturate, you will have a very unhappy amplifier.
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Got my HumDinger yesterday, and it works perfectly! I hooked up the amp, and I actually had to look at the lighted switch to make sure it was getting power. There was absolutely no noise coming from the amp. To be clear, it didn't make much noise to begin with, but there was always a hum in the background. I attributed that to the oversized transformer in my one-off Synergy 600 and assumed that was just the nature of the beast. Now I know better.
At some point, incremental improvements become difficult to detect. In this case, it was obvious. I'm not going to suggest that the sound quality of the system improved, but the noise level in the listening environment certainly did, and that's a great return on my $125 investment.
Thanks, Frank! :thumb:
Steve
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Wow, those went fast. I wish I could have pre-orderd as I'd wanted to, only saw this today...
Will there be another run produced?
Ya, me too :D
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We are checking now with our sheet metal house for the lead time on more chassis and covers, at least the initial tooling is done and paid for. The metal design is Wayner's work of course and everything fits perfectly as always.
Frank Van Alstine
Just a matter of time would be my guess.
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but, but that was like...9 days ago :D
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Unit received yesterday, and she's humming right along. But not. :lol:
Cute little thing, built like a damn tank. Very nice.
Thanks, Frank. :thumb:
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My Double Die 550 amp had a little hum/ring to it that has been eliminated by my new HumDinger. Wonder why the circuitry is not built into the amp in the first place? Increased cost, maybe not necessary in all cases, other reasons?
I am very happy with the new unit and that I'm able to keep the Van Alstine equipment in the power chain!
Paul
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I have had mine about two weeks now and is working fine nice and cool. Built like a TANK! Yes sir you should pop the top and see what build like a tank really looks like :thumb:
:smoke:
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I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. I recently aquired hum on my Hagerman Clarinet tube preamp.
You can read it at your leisure here (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=115219.msg1203931#msg1203931).
Just placed my order for my humbuster and another ultimate 70 blank board (got an extra ST70 waiting to be restored).
ETA 6 weeks.
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We have placed an order for a second production run of HumDingers.
This time we are running 25 of them. The first run of 10 sold out instantly
We will take orders for the next run right now. Cost $125. Delivery time 4-6 weeks
Call me at 651-330-9871 to order. I will be around most of the weekend, working on another project too.
We never charge out your credit card until we are ready to ship.
Frank Van Alstine
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Since I ordered mine on March 1st, there's only 24 left in this next batch!
Patrick
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Frank, can get your autograph on mine? It would be such an honor.
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I have 2 questions for Frank or anyone of the gang.
1. I have my Ultra 550 on a dedicated 20 amp line. I have my small components (Tivo, preamp, etc) on a power strip on a common 15amp line that was existing in the house. My components do not normally buzz. On Sundays, when my wife is going 110% on the laundry, we get buzzing out of the speakers. Will Humdinger help fix this?
2. My sub was also built by Salk (Rhythmik 15" model with the plate amp). I use a Y splitter cable send the same signal to both sub inputs for higher level gain, but I also get more noise (from the preamp, from the outlet, who knows). It sounds a bit like the scene in back to the future where Marty turns the amp to 11 and its just vibrating before he hits the note. Do you think Humdinger might help with this?
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Our HumDinger will block low level DC from the AC power line your amplifier or small signal equipment is connected to. This will remove or reduce transformer mechanical hum coming from the body of the equipment itself.
It normally will not eliminate hum coming from your speakers. This is usually a ground loop, or broadcast external interference issue. The HumDinger can't help with that.
Frank
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Hi Frank,
I just sent you a PM but don't believe it went through. Do you have these units available now? I plan to call you tomorrow.
Thanks,
Greg
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We have all the Humdinger parts in stock and can build you a couple of them promptly right now.
Frank
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We have all the Humdinger parts in stock and can build you a couple of them promptly right now.
Frank
Great. Thanks Frank! I have a new noise on my power line....either the power company itself or my neighbors.
I e-mailed the order form to you earlier this morning, and will call you in a few hours.
The sooner you can get them to me...the better! Thanks in advance for working on them right now.
Best,
Greg
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My Double Die 550 amp had a little hum/ring to it that has been eliminated by my new HumDinger. Wonder why the circuitry is not built into the amp in the first place? Increased cost, maybe not necessary in all cases, other reasons?
I am very happy with the new unit and that I'm able to keep the Van Alstine equipment in the power chain!
Paul
Did the humdinger improve or degrade the sonic signature of your system or did it remain the same and just reduce the hum? I love the sound of my rig...and want to keep the same sound that I have - except for the slight hum in my amps.
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The HumDinger certainly won't make your system sound worse. Eliminating any low level DC getting to your system can only make it sound better because it will just sound quieter.
Frank
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The HumDinger certainly won't make your system sound worse. Eliminating any low level DC getting to your system can only make it sound better because it will just sound quieter.
Frank
Great! Thank You.
Adding anything to the signal chain - which in my case is thousands of dollars in power cords, high grade receptacles, dedicated lines and another boatload in components always makes me nervous.
This is because.... my system is SO revealing I can just about always notice a change in the sound when something in the signal chain is altered.
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How can I tell if my transformer hum is caused by DC?
My Parasound HCA1500A hums like a banshee when my wife turns on her hair drier in the morning, so I suspect this is the case.
It may be a coincidence, but my Fairchild 260 transformer which previously never hummed, started to hum a couple of days after I swapped the 12AU7 for a 12BH7 to try it out. I put the 12AU7 back in, but now it still hums!
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If it is coming from the chassis, and not a constant hum. I'd guess DC on the line. But since Frank has a great return policy, you can try it out to see if it helps or not.
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I have an issue, only one AC outlet hums at my old house, I think it was connected to a dimmer switch, is the switch the cause even when it's not on?
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Dimmers on the same branch circuit as outlets is not a good idea. Although the noise should be more of a buzz then a 60hz hum.
Most dimmers will be out of the circuit when off, but I wonder about some cheapie models.
I know there are electricians that will combine outlets and lights when they are wiring. I think it's a bad idea for several reasons.
Wayner
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I assume these can be used after an AC Regenerator which does not block DC, like PS Audio? Or something like a Richard Gray RPGC Pro 400?
I have noticed 2 of my components buzzing chassis, one is tube amp, other is DAC. A little on speakers but not too bad.
Bad is the buzz that comes through when dishwasher is on!
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Sure, you can use our HumDinger after your AC regenerator. I am surprised that there would be any low level DC after the regenerator though.
Frank
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I am surprised that there would be any low level DC after the regenerator though.
Frank
Could the same be said of an isolation transformer?
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I was told by ps audio a p3 would not block dc on lines.
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Are the Humdingers still available?
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Yes, as far as I know. Call Frank 651-330-9871
Wayner
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Darn thing absolutely works as advertised. Completely eliminated the oscillating hum from my amps caused by my plasma tv. Money well spent.
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Yeah, DC blockers are great if that's your issue. Great to see that it worked for you.
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I just listed two for sale in the trading post. Please PM me if interested. Thanks.
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HumDingers are available again. Our new metal cabinet order arrived from our vendor sooner then expected.
Call us to order. 651-330-9871
Frank Van Alstine
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The HumDinger worked solving a long-standing problem with chassis/ transformer hum with some SET monoblocks, the WrightSound WPA3.5 (2A3). I had tried all kinds of other solutions, like suspending the transformers on rubber grommets, changing tubes, and other AC "conditioners", including a PS Audio UPC200 and an Emotiva unit. Nothing worked.
I did suspect an AC problem, though: there wasn't much hum in the morning, but more in the evening, and our townhouse is full of dimmer switches and fluorescent lights with ballasts.
Anyway, the Humdinger cleaned up the hum like a charm.
This was a somewhat "off-label" use, as the SETs don't use toroidal transformers; but, hey, it worked!
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A. Just got one of these and it works like a charm. Previously I had intermittent hum/buzz from the transformer. Sometimes none, sometimes a little, sometimes very strong and loud. Now I don't have any.
B. Frank, question: any reason not to put a spike/surge prevention device or a free standing voltage regulator either before the Humdinger or between the Humdinger and the amp? I'm asking because I have some bad power issues occasionally where I live.
C) BTW, for others: AFAIK, the typical symptoms of DC pollution on the line is that it is intermittent, and that it varies in intesity. It can be measured by a pro. But if you don't have that option I was advised to check the situation this way:
1. Wait till you are alone at home. Unplug everything in your home from the wall sockets. Yes, everything.
2. At your fuse box, turn all the breakers to off.
3. Plug in your amp and turn it on - disconnect from rest of system first, of course.
4. Turn on the switch/breaker that supples power to your amp. Listen for the buzz.
5. Sequentially turn each breaker on and listen each time for the buzz. Continue till all breakers are engaged.
6. If you have no buzz, begin plugging all your devices back in and turning them on. After each one is done, check for buzz. If the buzz begins, you've found your culprit - it could be a computer printer or some other device.
7. If you've engaged everything and have no buzz, then the problem may be DC on the line being created by a neighbor or anything in your area on the same transformer as your place. At my house we suspect the satellite TV installations in the neighborhood. Run your amp for awhile normally and if the buzz starts again, its probably from something external to your home.
Obviously this is easier if you have 2 people, especially in a larger home. But in my home it actually didn't take long to do.
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Note that the HumDinger does have a built in inrush current limiter which protects the power switch in your attached power amplifier from turn on high current transients. The HumDinger should be used AFTER any associated line conditioner device, not before one of these.
Frank
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So I would not plug the Humdinger into the wall, and connect a regenerator...
I was able to fix my previous power issues (massive DC current?) by having an electrician move my Audio circuit to Leg C on a Wye 3-phase network.
The buzzing stopped on all transformers and the DC blockers didn't buzz either, and the buzzing at my 98db/w monitors stopped.
I have everything running into a PS Audio P3 which blocks a little DC...plugged into a basic Cullen modded AC outlet. I also have a CMX-2 but use that as an extension to feed a Lenco and a phono stage.
But after a huge wind storm, I have noticed the P3 buzzing very loudly, which then comes through my speakers, so something must have changed upstream.
maybe I could buy (2) humdingers and connect DAC/Torutga LDR LPSU to one, and connect my two tube amps to the other. Still leaves a powered sub....
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Hi Frank,
Does the Humdinger work on a 240VAC supply or is it only for 115VAC use.
If its only for 115VAC, do you have any plans to produce a 240V one?
Thanks
Allan
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Other than needing the proper plug adapters, the Humdinger is ready for 240 volt operation.
Regards,
Dean
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I received my Humdinger last week and wish to note it worked beautifully for me. Inserted after a PS-Audio P-10 connected to a Line Magnetics 845 SET amp driving Zu Definition4 speakers. Considerable transformer hum before now quiet as can be. Thanks Frank!
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Frank, I have a buzz in my system only when the Plasma TV is on and only through my turntable that sits right next to the TV. I tried plugging the table into the same strip as the TV bu it didn't help.
One time I unplugged everything, and tried to straighten out the mess of cables a little before plugging back in. The buzz was reduced about 80% but it has since come back. Would your device help?
If not, any ideas?
Thanks!
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Our HumDinger will likely help your issue with system hum when the Plasma TV is turned on.
Plasma TVs are notorious for generating low level DC on the attached AC power lines. The HumDinger is designed to defeat this problem.
Remember, we have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee (on all AVA products we sell, new or used) so if it does not work for you just return it for a refund.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
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Ask any Ham radio operator:
Plasma TVs are also notorious for generating a lot of RFI interference.
They are always complaining about interference from their neighbor's plasma TV.
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Thanks Frank. Would I plug both the table and the Plasma into the HumDinger then plug it into the power strip?
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My first try would be to plug in your amp and preamp into the HumDinger, and then the turntable. You could try plugging in the plasma TV too of course.
Frank
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I have a slight hum or buzzing coming from the speakers. I think its related to the Preamp. It noticeable more at night than during the day. It's an inconsistent pulsating. A little humming and a little buzzing. It"s not always annoying but I'd love for it to be silent. I wonder my problem could be helped with this?
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Frank, I have a buzz in my system only when the Plasma TV is on and only through my turntable that sits right next to the TV. I tried plugging the table into the same strip as the TV bu it didn't help.
One time I unplugged everything, and tried to straighten out the mess of cables a little before plugging back in. The buzz was reduced about 80% but it has since come back. Would your device help?
If not, any ideas?
Thanks!
Your hum is caused by RF into the cartridge of your turntable from the TV, No Humdinger will fix that. The Humdinger works thru the filtering of AC line current, not magic filtration of airborne RF.
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I noticed the buzz got worse after I went from a mm to a homc. I assume a lomc would be worse?
Any way to fix the rf problem other than turning off the tv or getting something besides a plasma?
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I noticed the buzz got worse after I went from a mm to a homc. I assume a lomc would be worse?
Any way to fix the rf problem other than turning off the tv or getting something besides a plasma?
You could try: mttafttv
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I noticed the buzz got worse after I went from a mm to a homc. I assume a lomc would be worse?
Any way to fix the rf problem other than turning off the tv or getting something besides a plasma?
Well, I think you first have to prove what the noise source is. I'd get the TT humming and then unplug the TV. If the hum goes away, it was your TV. If not, it's from somewhere else.
If it were another component, the Humdinger might be the fix, but odds are the hum is from an EMI/RF source. While the TV certainly can be an EMI/RF creator, it is not the only one in the chain that can make the nasty. Power amps with large transformers can be a source, preamp with smaller transformers can, as well as wall warts and stuff like that.
In some cases, people have had to move their TTs away from the offender as far as possible to get out of the magnetic field that surrounds the offending, EMI/RF making component.
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It is the TV. It's never done it when the tv is off.
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You could try: mttafttv
I got that the mm = Moving Magnet, lomc = Low Output Moving Coil and homc = High Output Moving Coil, but I'm not catching on to the (tounge-in-cheek, I presume) "mttaftv". (Might try to axe the effing TV?)
Steve
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You could try: mttafttv
Hey watch it or I'll send a pm to the hmfic around here!
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Hey watch it or I'll send a pm to the hmfic around here!
That I got!
Steve
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I got that the mm = Moving Magnet, lomc = Low Output Moving Coil and homc = High Output Moving Coil, but I'm not catching on to the (tounge-in-cheek, I presume) "mttaftv". (Might try to axe the effing TV?)
Steve
Oops, I forgot to explain the acronym "mttafttv" ;) Move The Turntable Away From The TV
One too many beer last night!
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Yeah that's what I figured would be the answer. That would be a major pita. I suspected it was coming through the cartridge but hoped it might be outlet/power supply or a ground loop problem. There is a little bit of noise w the tv off so I may try the HumDinger.
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I'll just throw this out there, too. Lots of guys have had ground issues with their cable TV. Try removing the cable coax and see if the hum is knocked down to nothing. Also, dimmers and fluorescent lighting can definitely cause problems for us TT guys.
But, I think your single mission here should be diagnosis. I might suggest here that you start unplugging things in your AV room and see if there is an improvement. I mean it could even be your interconnects' shields are not doing their job! But, start with the basics, then move to the weird.
The Humdinger doesn't cost that much anyway, and your systems performance may benefit from it regardless of the outcome here.
BTW, one guy I know of was searching for TT hum and did discover it was coming from the transformer in his amp, and it was a loose laminate that was vibrating to the 60 cycle sinewave.
Good luck.
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It definitely is the TV and TT. It does not happen on any other sources, just the tt. It goes away when I turn the tv off.
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Interested in two of these. UK resident so has to be designed for UK mains, and UK socket.
Designed for around 3kW device amplifier
UK 3 pin socket, and cable.
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We have shipped overseas before. We can run our complete rack with one hum dinger. All you would need is an adapter plug or a cord with a 3 wire IEC female end and the appropriate male end.
Regards,
Dean
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Hi,
I'm using an airlink 2kva balanced power supply. I have all my Hifi and plasma TV stuff plugged into it. When the TV is on, I get intermittent buzzing from the airlink itself. I think it's the TV that is putting dc onto the mains. So would I just connect this blocker device inline between the airlink and the TV?
Do you do a 13a version which I could plug inline between the wall power socket and the airlink to stop any cd hitting the transformer from that direction? Is this needed? I'm no power expert :)
Many thanks!
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I'm using a humdinger and still occasionally hear a small amount of DC offset vibration in my amp. Could running two in series eliminate this? Is there any reason it would hurt SQ?
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You could have a loose transformer, or loose fasteners holding down the toroidal.
Wayner
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Or you could have extra high line voltage.
Get a little "Kill-a-Watt" meter and see if the noise tracks your line voltage.
(other countries have similar safe line voltage meters)
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Firedog and all
You can run 2 HumDingers in series and eliminate twice as much DC as a single HumDinger. The downside is that each Humdinger drops a little AC voltage, so the more Humdingers in series the lower your final AC output voltage will be.
We did run into one situation during testing where 2 Humdingers in series solved the problem and one Humdinger did not. We were using a hot air gun on low power plugged into the same AC outlet as the amplifier to generate a DC offset on the line. We decided this was not a real life test and MOST people would never encounter something this bad. You state that you only hear the problem occasionally, could this be associated with some other tool / appliance being on?
Dan
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Dan-
The entire DC offset problem for me is apparently coming from outside the walls of my apt. I've tried everything to isolate it to a device of circuit in my apt, but have never succeeded in finding something in my apt. that causes it.
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I had a plate amp in a sub humming. Took it out, and tightened the mounts. Still hummed. Took it out again, loosened the bottom mounts and crammed some soft self annealing rubber tape under the lower part of the transformer frame. Left the bolts loose. Hum was gone.
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I received my AVA HumDinger today. I had a buzzing in my AVA Fet Valve Preamp. I hooked up the HumDinger and now it is dead silent! Well worth it. Thanks again Frank!
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I keep forgetting that I have one of these. :duh:
I used to get a wildly intermittent DC hum in the Fet Valve Ultra 550. It didn't affect the music, but annoyed the hell out of me when it was happening.
Hasn't happened since I plugged in the Humdinger over two years ago. An awesome, inexpensive product that does exactly what it says it's going to do.
Have fun,
Jerry
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It's kinda weird seeing Frank making a product like this lol
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It's kinda weird seeing Frank making a product like this lol
Why do you think it's weird? :scratch:
It's a great product that does exactly what it says it's going to do. That's kind of an AVA hallmark.
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Why do you think it's weird? :scratch:
It's a great product that does exactly what it says it's going to do. That's kind of an AVA hallmark.
Cause I've been around here a while, and my first impression of Frank was someone who was pretty steadfast in believing that power cables and other gadgets to impact the DC outlet was hogwash. I do remember when he participated some blind evals of a power cable, though, so I guess something like this would follow. Just struck me as funny to see he has a product like this now (and I'm sure it's great!)
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This is nothing like the power cables thing, whether you believe in them or not.
The Humdinger deals with an issue of DC offset on the AC line causing hum/vibration of an amp or other device. It can be a real issue - no one denies it.
So the Humdinger deals with a real issue - and it works. Did wonders for my setup.
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Cool beans...any benefit for video?
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Cool beans...any benefit for video?
Any benefit would ONLY occur if there is DC on the line. If I understand correctly...
And even if that is the case, I don't know if there will be an impact on gear without a toroid
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Our HumDinger test amplifier is an old stock Dyna ST-120 that has a conventional iron rectangular power transformer.
It is quiet, hum free, and still works well on our normal AC power here.
However when we give it our hum torture test, a electric drill plugged into the same outlet set and run the drill at part power, the old ST-120 hums and vibrates so badly it nearly jumps off the shelf.
Our HumDinger stops this hum completely, making the 120 immune from the DC the drill is putting on the AC power line.
So - - - your power transformer does not have to be a toroid to hum with low level DC on your power line.
An observations regarding this. Your small signal equipment may benefit from the HumDinger too. You might need to be close to them to hear the hum, but the waveform that a transformer affected by DC puts out is really really ugly, and a power conditioner that is not specifically designed to block DC won't help this at all.
One client bought two HumDingers to take care of his big mono amps, and then came back and ordered four more, one for each other piece of audio equipment he had in this system. He told us the HumDingers just made his system sound better.
We don't claim that, but with a HumDinger you will be getting cleaner electricity to your system for sure.
Heck, its only $140 and has a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, better deal than that $500 power cord that did nothing for DC at all.
Frank Van Alstine
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Interesting. Is the Humdinger current limited at all?
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10 amp fuse
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^ Thanks for that. May need to get them.
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Our HumDinger uses a 10 ampere slow blow fuse on its incoming AC line to protect it from adverse loads after its AC outputs.
We have yet to have a customer contact us about blowing its fuse. This just has not happened.
Frank
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Remember that a fuse only limits current by blowing. So way more than 10 Amps may flow for a fraction of a second. For instance an old fashion incandescent light bulb draws 10 times it's rated current when it turns on.
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Typical ratings for Littlefuse® 3AG Slo-Blo® in 10mA to 15A sizes:
% Amp Rating Opening Time
100% 4 hours, Minimum
135% 1 hour, Maximum
200% 5 seconds, Minimum / 30 seconds, Maximum
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I have a HumDinger on order and should arrive soon. Hoping it will help with some hum issues I have. It's possible my issues are not DC related but I am hoping this will do it.
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Question-
Am getting a pair of these to try on my Odyssey Kismets which are picking up some random DC noise once in a while.
Got two of them as the Ksimets have oversized 850VA transformers.
I am assuming that I can either do:
A) Wall>Humdinger>Monoblocks
or
B) Surge protector>Humdinger>Monoblocks
Do the Humdingers work the same either way??
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I have one I don't need anymore. Will sell for half off retail.
It has been sold.
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lkdog correct you can put the dc blocker in between your surge protector and the amps. My kismet in khartago monos have never picked up dc noise that I can tell.. bulletproof amps really. I think mine have the older 600 or 650VA transformers not the new 850VA ones.. I did pick up a dc blocker for my folsom 7297 amp but it wasn't dc noise it turns out the hammond ei transformer was just naturally noisy :(
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OK, Update for those interested or who might have a similar issue in their AC line.
I got a pair of AVA Humdingers. They have two receptacles in them so I tried one to begin with.
I was not sure if they would get hot, or stressed with both the Kismets plugged in.
The one is running cool and I have been running music and video for a couple days so no worries there.
So far so good after two days............... :popcorn:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216212)
Will let you know if that changes, but usually I would hear an episode of DC hum even if just for a little bit every day or every other day.
And if you were wondering- no impact on sound.
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I am glad that our amazing little Humdinger solved another hum problem.
Note that Humdingers are built into all our big power amplifiers at no extra cost.
Frank
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Well, it has been a week.
No DC hum.
This product works great. :thumb:
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Frank ,
Which “big” amps would those be ?
SET 400 ?
Thanks
Bk
I am glad that our amazing little Humdinger solved another hum problem.
Note that Humdingers are built into all our big power amplifiers at no extra cost.
Frank
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Any power amp in a big chassis with a push button on/off switch will have a built in Humdinger. This includes the SET400, FetValve 400 and 600, DVA SET600 monoblocks, and DVA 850 hybrid monoblocks. All older amps with the red rocker style on/off switch do not have a built in humdinger.
Dan
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Hi all,
Can these still be made custom? Or what is being offered the only option?
Really interested on my setup. I have an Strato Odyssey amp.
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There are no custom HumDingers, just the good old standard one at $140.00
Note that a HumDinger should be used after any other line conditioner, not ahead of one in the AC line. Some line conditioners have unusual input impedances that can cause the HumDinger to overheat.
Frank
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Thank you for the quick response,
No power conditioners, i would just connect it to the wall and my amp.
I believe my PS audio DAC has a toroidal transformer? Do you think it would be safe to connect that too?
Dan
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Toroid power transformers are the ones most likely to hum from low level DC on the AC power line that the HumDinger is designed to block.
So of course the HumDinger works just fine with other equipment with toroid power transformers. This is what it is designed to do.
Frank
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What is the maximum steady-state current a HumDinger can handle?
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My PS Audio BHK 250 amp has a slight hum. I ordered the HumDinger; it should arrive tomorrow. Fingers crossed. :D
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>>What is the maximum steady-state current a HumDinger can handle?
The recommended fuse is 10 amps, but the internal circuitry is rated for much more. The case is used as a heat sink to remove heat from the internal circuitry, so as long as the box is not getting hot you should be ok. Up to and including when the home circuit breaker pops.
Dan
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I purchased a Stratos extreme that I recently received from Klaus. Will the humdinger be able to power my subwoofer (rhythmic subwoofer, GR Research) and my amp without blowing the fuse? It sounds like your powering both of your mono blocks on one humdinger?
I just received mine today, everything seems to be working fine! No noise from the amp it self. (though I did not really have any issues, I just want that extra protection or peace of mind. Eventually I will get a power surge protector.) I am using another power cable that is a lot beefier than what it originally came with.
OK, Update for those interested or who might have a similar issue in their AC line.
I got a pair of AVA Humdingers. They have two receptacles in them so I tried one to begin with.
I was not sure if they would get hot, or stressed with both the Kismets plugged in.
The one is running cool and I have been running music and video for a couple days so no worries there.
So far so good after two days............... :popcorn:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216212)
Will let you know if that changes, but usually I would hear an episode of DC hum even if just for a little bit every day or every other day.
And if you were wondering- no impact on sound.
-
OK, Update for those interested or who might have a similar issue in their AC line.
I got a pair of AVA Humdingers. They have two receptacles in them so I tried one to begin with.
I was not sure if they would get hot, or stressed with both the Kismets plugged in.
The one is running cool and I have been running music and video for a couple days so no worries there.
So far so good after two days............... :popcorn:
I purchased a Stratos extreme that I recently received from Klaus. Will the humdinger be able to power my subwoofer (rhythmic subwoofer, GR Research) and my amp without blowing the fuse? It sounds like your powering both of your mono blocks on one humdinger?
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216212)
Will let you know if that changes, but usually I would hear an episode of DC hum even if just for a little bit every day or every other day.
And if you were wondering- no impact on sound.
I purchased a Stratos extreme that I recently received from Klaus. Will the humdinger be able to power my subwoofer (rhythmic subwoofer, GR Research) and my amp without blowing the fuse? It sounds like your powering both of your mono blocks on one humdinger?
I just received mine today, everything seems to be working fine! No noise from the amp it self. (though I did not really have any issues, I just want that extra protection or peace of mind. Eventually I will get a power surge protector.) I am using another power cable that is a lot beefier than what it originally came with.