Mine was shipped August 3rd, 2018. I had initial concerns about what appeared to be a lack of varnish, some rust, and the top few laminations pealing up. I've cranked the screws as tight as I dare. I can't seem to get the sound to change by leaning on the transformer, or gripping it in any direction. The hum is internal to the trans. A surprising amount of the hum actually comes from under the base, I guess it's exaggerated by the enclosed space.
Bernie