I spoke to the support team a couple months ago regarding this and I got told to upload a video on here with the issue. It didn’t let me upload a video so ive attached an unlisted YouTube link instead.
The issue: My other PS-2a unit which I’ve also had for a couple of years has suddenly developed a very large resonating buzz. Im aware of the sound of the transformers working when in silent mode, thats never bothered me but now this new buzz actually makes playing in silent mode through the studio monitors pretty unenjoyable. If I turn the warm switch to flat it stops, but I miss the feeling I had with it on which is a shame.
Ive never had a buzz like this with any reactive load box unit ive used, and it’s only on this out of my two that it happens with.
I’m pretty sure we are hearing buzzing coming from the inductor in the reactive load. When you changed to flat the buzz when away.
The current in the inductor is largest at low frequencies. Magnetic materials change shape slightly when magnetised and the magnetic field can push and pull on parts that can move causing the sound.
I would suggest replacing this component as a solution. We have been talking on the other thread about getting it serviced…
I spoke to someone at the shop regarding this unit with he rattling problem and he said that its best I get the unit serviced somewhere local to me and if then if is a fault then Guitar Guitar will sort it under warranty. This is because they don’t have in house techs to do the service or something?
Im happy to take it wherever but not sure where is best regarding my location. I wouldn’t want to take it to just anyone and potentially void warranty or something.
By any chance did you find out where was closest to me?
I spoke with Dave at the shop yesterday about this.
Here is what you should do:
Check with Guitar Guitar if the unit is under warranty – ask for a repair though them. If they say it is out of warranty then ask them for the contact details of the repair shop they use (the dealer uses a 3rd party to send repairs to).
Any problems come back here, I should be able to dig out the contact details of the UK repair person. I didn’t know Fryette worked with someone else in the UK other than me, so that’s why I suggest I take a look, but sending the proper place will be best!
As for your other PS with the noisy inductor. It could be just as simple as a loose screw. Make sure everything is unplugged for at least 30 mins before poking around inside the unit, if you take a look at this.
If not, the same repair shop can take a look at this PS-2 also.
So the burnt out unit is currently at Guitar Guitar getting sorted under warranty so that issue is being dealt with
As for the rattling unit I did open it up a couple days ago to check around for any loose components/screws and couldn’t find any. I tightened a few a bit and the same thing is happening so sounds like it’s something rattling where I can’t access.
Hmm, OK that might be a bit dangerous to debug with the power on then. I’d recommend sending it to the same guy when you get the other one back. It might end up being the inductor, in which case Fryette will give the tech all the repair info. they need. But hopefully it is something else that is loose!
I commnicated with Guitar Guitar regarding this particular unit and this is what they replied with:
"Hi George,
Thanks for getting in touch, and sorry to hear the units not performing as expected. From what Fryette are saying in the forum post, it sounds like they suspect that the unit is in need of a service which would resolve this for you. We don’t have in house electronics technicians, so this isn’t something we would be able to assist with unfortunately.
The unit is covered under warranty and you would be entitled to have this inspected with us, but in the case of a warranty return you would need to cover the cost of shipping, so might end up in the position of having paid the cost of sending this back to us, only to have to cover the cost of a service on the unit.
If possible, I would suggest seeing if you are able to get an amp specialist to take a look at the unit locally for you. If they advise there is a fault, let us know and we can take you through the process of a warranty return.
Let us know your thoughts."
Im getting a bit confused now as to what to reply with haha!
After speaking with Dan, it seems possible that the low frequency inductor has developed a mechanical buzz. There probably isn’t anything wrong with the inductor itself outside of the possibility that its mounting bracket has worked loose.
The inductors absorb a lot of power and as such they do tend to get pushed around quite a bit. One fix is to replace the inductor unit. The other is to check the mounting bracket mounting screws and nuts to see if they’ve simply worked loose. Alternatively, one could simply damp the mounting bracket so you don’t hear the mechanical noise. You could seal this item externally with silicone sealant such as you’d find in a hardware store. That would be quite effective in absorbing the mechanical force generated by the inductor coil - a sort of shock absorber if you like.
If that’s something you feel comfortable with, I’d be happy to provide some photos and details.
I took a look inside again and everything was pretty solidly screwed in but I tightened where I could again. Fired it back up after and the loud buzz still persists,
I replied in the other thread.
