I have a Creek 5350se integrated amp bought new in 2002 and used regularly since. Within 10yrs it developed the intermittent left channel drop-out that's endemic to this amp (crappy ALPS inout switch), and the also-endemic sh!tty static-y feedback through l/r channels when manually turning the volume pot.
I've lived with both problems, on occasion opening the case and applying Deox-it to ALPS switch and volume pot, which seems to alleviate symptoms for up to a year or more. I re-seated the ribbon cable from ALPS inout to main pcb a few years ago - that didn't make any difference pro or con.
Recently a new problem has developed: when amp is powered on an audible buzzing hum issues from about center of amp. Sound seems to get louder the longer the amp is left on, and there may be some correlation between the sound's dB level and ambient room temp (louder when room and hence amp is warmer). At peak loudness I can hear the humming buzz while standing next to amp, ear height about 30" from top of case.
Transformer? Caps failing? Both failing? I'll open the case and inspect but appreciate any comments in meantime. Thanks!
I've lived with both problems, on occasion opening the case and applying Deox-it to ALPS switch and volume pot, which seems to alleviate symptoms for up to a year or more. I re-seated the ribbon cable from ALPS inout to main pcb a few years ago - that didn't make any difference pro or con.
Recently a new problem has developed: when amp is powered on an audible buzzing hum issues from about center of amp. Sound seems to get louder the longer the amp is left on, and there may be some correlation between the sound's dB level and ambient room temp (louder when room and hence amp is warmer). At peak loudness I can hear the humming buzz while standing next to amp, ear height about 30" from top of case.
Transformer? Caps failing? Both failing? I'll open the case and inspect but appreciate any comments in meantime. Thanks!
A mechanical buzz most often comes from the transformer windings or laminations when there is noise on the mains supply, though identifying a buzz as opposed to a hum through the metal cover seems unusual. Noisy power supplies are becoming increasingly common though, even in residential areas, because of the many large electronic devices now connected to the grid. You may think that such problems should have been anticipated by the designer, but times have changed whilst the product hasn't.
The transformer is located against the the right side of the case so its questionable whether that's the problem. So yes, you'll need to remove the cover and observe (with care and protection from possible shock and injury) where the noise is actually coming from. Then perhaps, we can help with remedies.
The transformer is located against the the right side of the case so its questionable whether that's the problem. So yes, you'll need to remove the cover and observe (with care and protection from possible shock and injury) where the noise is actually coming from. Then perhaps, we can help with remedies.
Thanks for the reply. This morning after being powered off overnight I powered the amp back on, humming buzz happened somewhat softly at startup, then faded away completely. After 10min of operation, with signal to speakers through the amp via line-in, it was still dead-silent. Ambient temp around the amp was 65° F.
Maybe just a new 'fail' I have to live with in late-ish years of this amp's lifetime. Sonic quality is superb so am willing to do that (unless it becomes a hazard).
Maybe just a new 'fail' I have to live with in late-ish years of this amp's lifetime. Sonic quality is superb so am willing to do that (unless it becomes a hazard).
If the buzzing noise problem also fades as the amp warms up, then tempeature is less likely to be related to the problem. How about the frequency of use? In other words, if you power it up more often or for longer periods, does the hum or buzz problem reduce too? If so, this could be a capacitor issue but don't replace them on a whim - those big elcaps are usually good quality and will last for decades before showing signs of ageing so we should look at other possibilities first. Unfortunately, if you can't produce the problem, there's nothing to fix so you'll just have to wait and listen again.
Thanks again for replying.
Buzzing noise seems to get worse the longer the amp is left on. Previously amp was left on 24/7 and that's when I noticed the noise. Since then I'm powering it off when not in use. Now the buzzing noise happens on initial power-up then fades to near-silent. If amp is left on all day and ambient room temp is elevated, the buzzing becomes more pronounced.
At this point I'm just going to live with it. Relative to the other known reliability issues with the Creek 5350se I'll just take this one in stride (until it becomes unbearable - then I'll look at replacing the amp outright).
Buzzing noise seems to get worse the longer the amp is left on. Previously amp was left on 24/7 and that's when I noticed the noise. Since then I'm powering it off when not in use. Now the buzzing noise happens on initial power-up then fades to near-silent. If amp is left on all day and ambient room temp is elevated, the buzzing becomes more pronounced.
At this point I'm just going to live with it. Relative to the other known reliability issues with the Creek 5350se I'll just take this one in stride (until it becomes unbearable - then I'll look at replacing the amp outright).