EAR 834P Phono stage. Buzzing sound

[MikeHit]

Newbie here.

My EAR 834P has recently developed a sort of buzzing sound half way between rapid soft clicks and a real buzz. Could this be valves needing replacing? I am not sure it is a ground hum but I could be wrong.
Also, on the back there is a screw terminal next to the output leads - is this for the ground wire (which I have been fixing to the small screw next to the fuse) or some other function. I have looked for manuals but cannot find any online.

Thankyou all in advance for your help

Mike

 

[Roger_A]

Newbie here.

My EAR 834P has recently developed a sort of buzzing sound half way between rapid soft clicks and a real buzz. Could this be valves needing replacing? I am not sure it is a ground hum but I could be wrong.
Also, on the back there is a screw terminal next to the output leads - is this for the ground wire (which I have been fixing to the small screw next to the fuse) or some other function. I have looked for manuals but cannot find any online.

Thankyou all in advance for your help

Mike

Why don't you contact EAR/Yoshino for advice? They still manufacture the 834 phono amp so should be able to suggest what to check or even to service the item if you want to do that depending on cost.

 

[daytona600]

Do you have a spare set of valves to Try out they do fail with age

 

[Al ears]

The screw terminal next to Output Right is indeed the earthing point

 

[DelClark]

I recently had a similar problem, thought it was my TT or amp on the fritz.
Long story short, it turned out to be my networking plug ins (no wifi in office computer upstairs).
Unplugged them and noise gone.
It took ages to find out what it was.
So now ordered a wifi dongle.

 

[gasolin]

it's old mabye it just need service

 

[DelClark]

I didn't discover the problem until I plugged it in on different circuit. Worth a try,,

 

[MikeHit]

The screw terminal next to Output Right is indeed the earthing point

I'm sorry for not replying sooner, but things have got ahead of me.
I moved the grounding cable to that terminal...no change. In fact, the sound is there even when the TT is not plugged in! So it sounds like it is the phono stage.

 

[Al ears]

I'm sorry for not replying sooner, but things have got ahead of me.
I moved the grounding cable to that terminal...no change. In fact, the sound is there even when the TT is not plugged in! So it sounds like it is the phono stage.

No problem.
What happens when the earth is disconnected completely?
If it's still buzzing I would look at replacing the valves next.

 

[Alex1969]

Try wriggling the valves around. Common EAR issue is the sockets they sit it. You may need to replace all 3 but bad connection on valves is the biggest issue with EAR.

 

[MikeHit]

No problem.
What happens when the earth is disconnected completely?
If it's still buzzing I would look at replacing the valves next.

This is getting really weird. I have been trying all sorts of connections:
Disconnect the phono from the amp - no sound (I did this each end separately in case there could be some circuit issues between the L/R inputs)
All phono cables connected - ground cable connected: clicking sound
All phono cables connected - ground cable disconnected: hum sound (which I would expect)
Remove the cables from the arm to the phono - no sound
So it seems it is the connection between the arm and the EAR.

BUT....and this is where it gets odd, I have disconnected all the 4 phono leads to the cartridge head and the clicking sound is still there. I last did electronics in my physics class 50 years ago so am taking wild guesses here, but it seems there are two options:
- some form of currents are being induced in the tonearm (wouldn't disconnecting the stylus leads avoid that because there is no circuit)
- there is a dodgy connection inside the phonostage only taking effect when the input phono leads are plugged in
- wiggling the cable from the tonearm has no effect so I am not sure if this excludes a break/shortage in that cable

I am at a loss....

 

[MikeHit]

Try wriggling the valves around. Common EAR issue is the sockets they sit it. You may need to replace all 3 but bad connection on valves is the biggest issue with EAR.

Thank you Alex. I have given a full description in my reply to Al but I have one question for you: is it possible a dodgy valve seat could be causing a problem simply when I plug in the phono cables from the tonearm (as above, this happens even when I have disconnected the 4 cables on the cartridge head

 

[Alex1969]

Thank you Alex. I have given a full description in my reply to Al but I have one question for you: is it possible a dodgy valve seat could be causing a problem simply when I plug in the phono cables from the tonearm (as above, this happens even when I have disconnected the 4 cables on the cartridge head

Yes. My advice is as I said. Solution is either new valves or valve seats (very likely). Possible other problems would basically involve full testing/repair and would probably not be worth the expense. Its old and everything reaches a point where you need to replace it. EAR are known for substandard valve seats and also, the valves wear out. If that doesnt work id invest in something else. IMO the 834P is very old and was never close to proper quality. Put a few quid in and get a Burmester 838. Upgrade and enjoy..... Valves suck!

 

[MikeHit]

Yes. My advice is as I said. Solution is either new valves or valve seats (very likely). Possible other problems would basically involve full testing/repair and would probably not be worth the expense. Its old and everything reaches a point where you need to replace it. EAR are known for substandard valve seats and also, the valves wear out. If that doesnt work id invest in something else. IMO the 834P is very old and was never close to proper quality. Put a few quid in and get a Burmester 838. Upgrade and enjoy..... Valves suck!

Thank you Alex. That is certainly food for thought. If I were to open up the EAR would there be anything obvious to look for?

I have looked up the Burmester 838 and cant find anything other - the replacement is eyewateringly expensive 🙂 !
Boy, it is years since I last kept up with hifi