• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Aguilar Amp Fan Sound

G

GregL

Oct 6, 2009
38
1
#1
Just started working with my Aguilar DB751 amp - a beautiful thing with elegant sound.

I noticed the fans in the back make a constant low level sound. It almost sounds like a bearing motor. Do amp fans typically make any sounds?

I've contacted Aguilar, but the sound is not loud enough to be picked up by the phone. Would hate to ship this beast to NY to be checked out.

Thanks
Greg
 
#4
For the price of these amps, you'd think they could;
1) use quieter fans
2) include a low/hi switch or even better a thermal sensor.

I'm no techie, but I wonder if there is any reason that they need to be constantly on full speed? Does this amp really generate that much heat when idle or at low output?
 
#8
Those amps are examples of state-of-the-art engineering, I can imagine they put those fans there for a good reason.


And the only way you can make those fans less noisy is to slow 'em down, which will influence the temperature of the amp.

I'd rather don't start messing around with such things.
Just my 2 cents...
 
#9
Queg said:
For the price of these amps, you'd think they could;
1) use quieter fans
2) include a low/hi switch or even better a thermal sensor.

I'm no techie, but I wonder if there is any reason that they need to be constantly on full speed? Does this amp really generate that much heat when idle or at low output?
Click to expand...

My DB728 has a low/hi switch, the low setting is still loud enough to bug at solo practice levels. I think having a fan just goes with the territory when you have a powerful amp that runs a little on the warm side for the sake of tone. FWIW, the fan in my Aggie is quieter than the one in my old Trace head.
 
#11
tony_clifton said:
Those amps are examples of state-of-the-art engineering, I can imagine they put those fans there for a good reason.
Click to expand...

I still believe the fans suck and not in a good way. This amp might be state-of-the-art engineering, but for example at this price point I wouldn't consider their stock tubes as state-of-the-art, the main power switch could be better quality, the chassis could be aluminum .. or titanium :D

tony_clifton said:
And the only way you can make those fans less noisy is to slow 'em down, which will influence the temperature of the amp.
Click to expand...

Yes, but you've got it backwards. The fans should be influenced by the temperature of the amp. Temperature of the amp is not constant.. the fans should be thermostatically responsive to this reality. This isn't rocket science, and not expensive either. Any well made computer case does the same thing. My home audio tube amp has a fan that only switches on when driven hard or on a hot day.

tony_clifton said:
I'd rather don't start messing around with such things.
Just my 2 cents...
Click to expand...

Agree. Still annoying tho. The (all-tube) 728 had both a low speed fan switch and aluminum chassis.. :hmm:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back