After assembling Buffalo II,, IVY II, Volumite and Sympatico in one integrated design, I am experiencing some minor problems. Overall the DAC/amplifier sounds great, wonderful resolution, clarity, warm distinctness in the bass, etc. Thanks for the quality of these products!

My first problem is a weak humming (similar to the sound of my 400VA transformers, located in a separate case). The hum is not influences by turning the Volumite, and it is slightly higher in the left channel. Curiously, when I touch the wires going from Ivy to the left Sympatico, the noise is reduced and changes character. Nothing happens when I touch the SPDIF inlet. But when I turn off power to the Buffalo, the humming disappears completely.

Second problem: I wanted to use both phones and amplifier, but the phone outlet from the + and gnd of the IVY generated scratching sounds, so I had to temporarily remove it, as you can see on the picture. Is it possible to simultaneously drive both phones and amplifier? (My idea was to put a switch on the power inlet of the Sympaticos for selecting only phone use.)
Can someone give me advice how to cope with these issues?

A third issue: Can something be done with noisy transformers, with grounding or something else?

I am a novice in these matters , but still I could not resist experimenting with alternative capacitors, as I got these recommended, (see picture).

Thanks for fast and helpful reply. Phones are now working fine. I changed capacitors and put a shielded cable on the SPDIF; the hum is clearly reduced, to non-audible on the right, but still quite there on the left channel. I will look further for some poor connection somewhere. Do you have any idea where to try? Is it most likely the Sympatico, or can it also be the IVY or Buffalo?

With the original capacitors the sound is slightly less distinct and transparent. I will find a way to connect the Epcos back without long wires. You should try these once if you have the opportunity.

Two days later: I went over all connections again. Now there is no hum or distrubing noises, and the sound is great!

Edited by user Sunday, December 5, 2010 3:44:21 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified