Final update: Absolutely horrendous static in the replacement amp as well. Both amps are currently collecting dust in the attic, and are worth nothing more than e-waste to me. This is unacceptable for an amp at this price point - and my disappointment cannot be measured.
Update: Support has been very helpful and a replacement unit is on its way.
Initial thoughts: Getting blasted with a constant humming in my ears, regardless of which input I'm using. I've contacted support and my review will be changed if the issue gets resolved. But as it stands currently, I cannot give this product more than 1 star.
sanderheideSorry to hear you are running into an issue, there should be very little background noise when the unit is operating correctly.
Can you share what headphones you are using with the TA-84? Low impedance headphones are not recommended with this amp due to its high output impedance. Low impedance or high sensitivity headphones will be much more susceptible to creating more background noise.
It would also be good to unplug the amp and make sure all the tubes are properly inserted before powering back up. Additionally the tubes can take 10 or so minutes to heat up and settle into a stable operating temperature.
Tube amps are also susceptible to EMI interference so you can also look to see if there is a router or other electronic device that might be contributing to the hum you are hearing.
T.FernandezI'm running it with high impedance headphones, the 6XX to be specific. I've tried it in different locations around my house with the same results. On both grounded and ungrounded circuits.
sanderheideI was hearing a crackling on the right channel always, after reading T.Fernandez post I noticed that my amp/dac was right next to my Mac and that was causing some EMI interference, just moved it a couple inches and the background noise is now minimal. Thank you
raullThat should be considered unacceptable. There are proper, nearly
standardized ways to reduce interference.
There is a reason this amp was delayed almost two months.
LuisNo updates. Both tubesmps are currently sitting up in the attic. I don't want to suffer from headaches, so I imagine they'll stay there indefinitely