Noise coming from the power entry socket.

[Atraf]

Hello everyone, I have the crack for about a month now, recently I have started noticing a "bzzz" electricity noise from the power entry socket, probably was happening from the beginning, if I play with the power cable plug a bit it disappears but it returns after a while.
I replaced the cable and its happening a lot less often but its still happening, I have a few speculations I hope you guys can jump in and help me solve this issue:
1) The connection between the cable and the power entry is a bit wiggly, maybe the cable doesn't fit properly as it should?
2) Both cables I tried are old PC cables I had lying around could both of them be malfunctioned? or the problem is coming from someplace else?

3) Can it damage my crack some how?
4) Is it my Crack fault? 

Thanks Ben.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

I think you've narrowed things down nicely. 

I'm guessing you're overseas, so we couldn't provide you with a power cord.  Your option are either:

1.  Snag a new power cord, any store that sells computers should have one.

2.  Gently bend the two outer prongs out slightly in the IEC power entry module.  This will force them to make better contact with the power cord.

In any even, the Crack doesn't require much power, but a solid connection is still desirable. 

-PB

 

[Atraf]

Overseas indeed
I will purchase a cable soon since its really cheap I got nothing to lose, I hope it will fix the issue.
Thanks.

 

[Atraf]

UPDATE:

I bought a new cable and unfortunately it hasn't solve the problem, this noise is driving me crazy .. i am starting to think there is something wrong with the entry socket it self,
I also thought about the option that the position of the power socket and since my power cable is not right angled its causing stress on the socket and some kind of faulty connection, but I doubt it since even when I hold the cable upwards my self it comes back after a while.
what do you guys say?
I added a sample of the sound for you to hear, just ignored the fan background noise..
http://dw4.convertfiles.com/files/0370649001413326338/memo.mp3



Another Issue I have is a weird deep hum that comes and goes like a wave, I hear this one in headphones,
If i gently touch the tube it stops or weakens and after a while it come backs again..
The volume does not effect the sound.
It only noticeable when music is not playing other wise its to quiet but still annoying, is it just a normal tube hum?

 

[Doc B]

That sounds like interference coming in from your AC mains or one of your tubes is picking up the interference and oscillating. I would suggest trying other AC outlets in your home and turning other appliances in your home on and off and see if that changes the noise.

 

[Atraf]

Update:
I gently bent the two outer prongs in the IEC power entry module, and it sort of fixed the problem now it happens a lot less, nonetheless if I want to switch my IEC power entry module in the future, should I go for another one just the same or something better, any suggestions?

About the second problem of the tube microphonics/hum its completely gone, I have added Spiked feet to the wood base and somehow it really helped the microphonic problem.. wasn't intentional, so I am not really sure about the feet as the cause, but it definitely look like they create some sort of isolation.

Thanks you Doc and Caucasian Blackplate for your help.