Hi,
I have a new Power Station PS-100. When power is on, regardless of connections or settings, is it normal that the big transformer on the right next to the fan causes audible vibrations to the top cover? (50 Hz? I’m in Europe)
It’s roughly the same perceived loudness as the fan except lower frequencies. The vibrations can also be felt by hand by touching the case on top of the transformer.
I’ve reseated power tubes and tightened all case screws top and bottom, and sides. When the top cover was off, I didn’t hear the vibration sounds.
Yes, that’s normal.
This is the big transformer in a small box syndrome. All transformers make noise. The box they are housed in determines how noticeable that noise is to the user.
A big box made of wood will absorb a lot of this noise. A small steel box will vibrate in sympathy with the magnetic field generated by the transformer. The bigger the transformer, the more it will “excite” the steel enclosure.
The PS-100 has an unusually large transformer relative to the physical size of the unit. It therefore exerts a greater magnetic resonance onto the housing.
I hope that helps.
Dave
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