2. amps-preamps
  3. 142214-112817

Am I asking too much?

I've spent the last three days chasing a ground loop/hiss issue.  I have unplugged and replugged every combination possible, have tried different type of grounds to phono stage, tried different phono stages, different lines into the amp, different turntables and still when I crank the volume with nothing playing, have this hiss.  At lower volumes I don't hear it, but if I turn it up, it's there.  I probably would never listen that loud, but still worry that at base levels the sound is compromised.  I've had this system connected for a month and don't know if the hiss was always there, or if, when I had to rearrange and reconnect due to Christmas and the wife factor, something changed.

My system is a Line Magnetic LM216IA tube amp, a Heed phono stage, a Rega Planar 3 TT (which doesn't have a ground wire) which plays to Audio Physic bookshelves and a JL Audio e110 sub. One of my biggest concerns has been the lack of ground with the Planar 3.

My system is plugged into a Torus Power Conditioner, so I thing I have that base covered into a dedicated line.  With all these electrical precautions am I expecting too much asking for a black speaker background?

Will be interested to hear similar ground loop stories or thoughts on whether there are other issues that I haven't considered.

udog

Showing 1 response by audiotroy

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,873 posts
 
First question do you have a ground loop which is a low level humming sound or do you have a hiss?

A hiss is found  in components sometimes with noisy tubes or high gain, and more efficient loudspeakers.

If you have a ground hum you may want to try cheater plugs one at a time first on a power conditioner, then on the amp and preamp one at a time on each component.

Also check your interconnects sometimes the connector looks good but you have a fine crack on the wire and you are not getting a good ground.

First thing to do is to unplug all components just plug in the amp do you have any noise? 

Then plug in each component one at a time till you find the culprit. 

Good luck

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ


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