Blackstar HT-20h noise w. sound example

[ctspell]

I just got a used Blackstar HT-20 head and the HTV-212 cabinet. Unfortunately I'm having some noise/hum issues with it. At least I think I do. I might just be to sensitive to it, and should expect the amount of noise it makes. Prior to this amp I've had a Fender Blues jr which has been close to silent in comparison.

Here's what I've found so far:

-The noise is far more apparent on the clean channel.
-The noise gets worse as I crank the Master Volume and the Treble pot.
-I've tried with several guitars and cables. None of which affects the noise either way.
-I've tried several outlets around my house.
-The noise immediately stops when I unplug the jack from the amp.

I have recorded a short clip with my iPhone close the the grill. The recording includes cranking the master, at the beginning of the clip, and unplugging the jack from the amp. Hopefully someone can identify what the noise is.

Reading around the net on similar topics seams to suggest it might be something wrong with my guitars, or cables since the noise immediately stops when I unplug the amp. As mentioned above though, I've never had a problem with my Fender Blues jr. and the same guitars and cables.

Could it be a problem with one of the tubes? Should I consider taking it to a tech to have it checked out?

[SOUNDCLOUD]http://soundcloud.com/ctspell/bs-ht-20 [/SOUNDCLOUD]

 

[IM4Tone]

Are you playing single coils or P-90's? Does the noise go away (or nearly so) when you hold the guitar and put your hand(s) on the strings? I'm wondering about ground issues.

 

[ctspell]

Single coils or humbuckers doesn't affect the noise in any way. Neither does touching, or holding the strings. If it is a ground issue, would the problem lie with the amp, or my guitars?

 

[IM4Tone]

Single coils or humbuckers doesn't affect the noise in any way. Neither does touching, or holding the strings. If it is a ground issue, would the problem lie with the amp, or my guitars?

Probably not a ground issue then.

 

[hedman71]

I just read your tread, have you solved the problem?
My Ht20 sounds exactly the same as yours.
When it was new it was very silent but not now?
I have owned it for about to years

 

[keithv]

On the HT20s, removing the cord from the input jack places the amp into Stand by mode, and that is why the noise disappears at that time. Regardless, I wouldn't think that the problem is related to guitar or cords, seems like it is something within the amp circuit.

 

[Falling]

I just read your tread, have you solved the problem?
My Ht20 sounds exactly the same as yours.
When it was new it was very silent but not now?
I have owned it for about to years

Exactly the same with HT20 Head but it's new (restock from Musician Friend, bought 2 weeks ago).
I'll try to change the preamp tubes someday. I hope it's not a big problem...

 

[jumpingtam]

Im having the same issue with my Blackstar HT Soloist 60 :c