Iain Churches wrote:
"Rob" wrote in message
...

FWIW the three bits of valve kit I have (Beard power, AI integrated and
EAR phono), and the one I had (Carmenta pre), are pretty quiet. The Beard
has a slight hum from the unit (transformers?), but less than some SS amps
I've had.

The Beard valve amps that I have seen perform well. They have fairly small
mains transformers, which are bolted straight to the chassis. Setting them
on rubber grommets (and also tightening the bolts that secure the
laminations)
gets rid of the transformer noise.

Iain


Thanks Iain - the transformers are tucked away and last time I looked
they weren't readily accessible, and I suspect they're a fair size given
the amp weighs about 35kg. And if my fettle causes a problem, they're a
problem to replace - £500 each springs to mind.

In use, and for some reason, I'm more forgiving of noise from a valve
amp, although as I say, the ones I have/had are comparable with SS.

Still, next time I open it up I'll have a look.

Rob