[340519]

I guess I'm sticking with the gold lion for now. I also have a new mullard, a tube store house brand 12AX7, and the original that came with the hp8.

 

[340519]

So the noise doesn't seem to be coming from the tubes at all, as the sound made a comeback with the replacements. It appears that it's dirty power created by an led light on the same circuit. We shall see.

 

[Jay Smith]

So the noise doesn't seem to be coming from the tubes at all, as the sound made a comeback with the replacements. It appears that it's dirty power created by an led light on the same circuit. We shall see.

My HP8mk2 always picking up noise from a pair of TP-Link AV1000 Powerline ethernet adapters............

 

[340519]

Well there is random static, and almost digital ticks that are random on one channel (the digital pops are new), so I'm thinking all this is might be caused by some sort of interference/noise in the house power. Now as I write this the noises are gone, so I don't think it's the amp or tubes.

 

[340519]

My HP8mk2 always picking up noise from a pair of TP-Link AV1000 Powerline ethernet adapters............

What sort of noises?

 

[Nik74]

I have experienced this too with the Icon and judging by how much more it happens during the day as opposed to very late at night, I d say too that it is related to power quality. However the noise of a defective tube is not that dissimilar so it can be confusing to figure out what’s what. The Luxman I use at the moment is equally sensitive but shows different symptoms.
Could this be a tube thing? I lack the technical knowledge to support this thought but perhaps tubes pick RF and other noise like antennae and at certain frequencies they translate it into audible noise ?
It would be interesting to hear from someone who understands and can explain the technicalities of the science behind this.

 

[Jay Smith]

Well there is random static, and almost digital ticks that are random on one channel (the digital pops are new), so I'm thinking all this is might be caused by some sort of interference/noise in the house power. Now as I write this the noises are gone, so I don't think it's the amp or tubes.

Hiss at low level, the only way to get rid of it is unplugged TP link...

 

[340519]

I have experienced this too with the Icon and judging by how much more it happens during the day as opposed to very late at night, I d say too that it is related to power quality. However the noise of a defective tube is not that dissimilar so it can be confusing to figure out what’s what. The Luxman I use at the moment is equally sensitive but shows different symptoms.
Could this be a tube thing? I lack the technical knowledge to support this thought but perhaps tubes pick RF and other noise like antennae and at certain frequencies they translate it into audible noise ?
It would be interesting to hear from someone who understands and can explain the technicalities of the science behind this.

Thanks fellas. When thinks go wrong with my equipment it has the tendency to make me a little nutty.

 

[SteveM324]

I had issues a few years ago with noise from WiFi boosters/ethernet extenders that I was using for streaming. I got rid of the noise by using a long ethernet cable and moving the booster away from my tube preamp/headphone amp. I think physically distancing (as opposed to social distancing) helps to eliminate the noise. If the extender is a wall mounted device, plug it into an outlet further away from your amp and use a longer ethernet cable.

 

[340519]

Hi guys, I just bought some zebra wood audeze lcs 4s which I am very excited about! They are 200ohm. On the high gain setting the icon is advertised to drive cans up to 600ohms, so I'm thinking the amp will power them okay? Thoughts?

 

[RobertSM]

Hi guys, I just bought some zebra wood audeze lcs 4s which I am very excited about! They are 200ohm. On the high gain setting the icon is advertised to drive cans up to 600ohms, so I'm thinking the amp will power them okay?

No problem at all! They drive my Sennheiser HD650's with ease.

Enjoy!

 

[340519]

No problem at all! They drive my Sennheiser HD650's with ease.

Enjoy!

Thank you sir!

 

[RobertSM]

And those HD650's are 300 ohm.

So your 200 ohm cans should be just fine.

 

[henkeman]

Hi RobertSM,
thank you for rating.
I have already modified it twice.
1. Upper plate - anodized aluminum. Original plate - anodized aluminum too, not copper.
2. Jupiter HT caps - they are superior. I tested different and I like Jupiter more than others.
3. I have many different NOS 12AX7 and 6SN7 tubes and new Psvane Treasure 12AX7 LS Special Edition + Psvane CV181-TII ‘grey bottle’.
SIEMENS ECC83 + Philips ECG JAN 6SN7WGTA on the photo.

Nice Mod! How do you think Psvane Treasure 12AX7 LS Special Edition compares to the best of your NOS 12AX7 tubes? I have it my self and wondering if it's worth pursuing the NOS tubes.

 

[Steve160k]

Has anyone had a comparison with the Icon HP 205D headphone amp? The 205D is a big step up in cost at three times the price, and also has a separate power supply, so looks a serious bit of kit. I am looking at valve amplifcation after using a Chord Hugo 2 for the last yearr or two. The Hugo 2 is very transparant, but maybe a little too clinical and lacks a bit of soul.