[ICOM] 17m and preamp question

[John G.]

I am trying to determine if what I am hearing is typical atmospheric noise, of if I have a line noise problem of sorts.  Here is my situation:

I have an Icom 706 original model.  I find that all three models of theh 706 are too sensitive on 20m and below with the preamp on-you get to listen to a S8 noise or so most of the time.  So I leave the preamp off on those bands, and on 30m and below it seems just right on the original model-you see an S1 or so noise level on those bands. On 20m it is probably a little deaf with the preamp off, but works fine.  On 15m and above I turn on the preamp and it seems just right.

So what is people's experience on 17m?  With the preamp on I see around a S7 or so noise level.  WIth it off, it seems to lack a little sensitivity on that band.  I did work V85SS on 17m yesterday so I can hear stuff with the noise that my rig is getting, but it is also tiring ot listen to, especially if it is something that can be fixed.  So, with your 706 (any model) on 17m, what sort of background noise level are you seeing with the preamp on?

73 John AF5CC