2. analog
  3. 1257342646

cd player - xlr output buzzing

currently using the xlr output of this cd player;
http://www.cattylink.com/page153.html

to the RCA input of this preamp;
http://www.cattylink.com/page309a.html

I am using a generic female xlr -> male rca cable. Each time I start the system up, there is buzzing and harmonics in the speaker output at low volumes. It is okay at higher volumes. I tried to see if it is the tubes, or the output, but nothing alters the problem except using the RCA output of the cd player into the RCA input of the preamp.

The only reason I don't use the RCA output is that it runs directly to another amp/system and the RCA cable is far longer than the XLR->RCA cable.

Is there any possibility that the higher vrms of the xlr output is causing the buzzing? Would it be wiser to simply buy an xlr female to xlr male adapter and then use an RCA->RCA cable in conjunction with the adapter to see if the buzzing continues?
bleoberis

Showing 8 responses by bleoberis

bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
hmm how do i do that? it is an actual 1m long cable, do i need to open it up somehow?
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
Thanks Al - the difficulty I'm having in finding any consistency to testing the problem is that when it is connected to the preamp, the buzzing is only at low volumes and sometimes even disappears after a minute or two.

When I use the exact same connection/cable to a Vincent KHV-1 headphone amp, there is no buzzing detectable at all. This would indicate that the cable is possibly fine, but there is something the preamp is disagreeing with?
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
Hi Dave - thanks, too, but tried disconnecting everything except the cd player, preamp and speakers. Used the RCA output from the cd player, no probs. Used the XLR output, same issue. It seems like the preamp can't handly the XLR output of the cdp, whereas my headphone amp can. A pity because the XLR output of the cdp actually sounds better than the rca output....
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
ahh yes thanks - understand now.

presumably it is safer to simply split the RCA signal?

Even if the manufacturer were to confirm it is okay to ground xlr pin 3, the buzzing would remain nevertheless?
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
haha we have come full circle (kind of) in that this is the opposite of what Atmasphere first posted!

The key is then whether pin 3 is left floating or not?

I just picked up some of these;
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-GXM-133-Female-Male-Adaptor/dp/B000068O4D

I know for certain that these have pin 3 tied to pin 1, thus, if the buzzing continues tonight when I test it, I'll have a cable made leaving pin 3 floating.

If that does not work, then I'll have an XLR->RCA yard sale and you are all invite. Beer is on me.
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
Sam Adams it is - the cherry flavoured one. We can get it here in Australia!

Just book your flights and I'll chuck a prawn on the BBQ
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
nifty device!!

hmm good question -- how can one test for noise floor interference?
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
UPDATE

After all the discussion, had a custom cable made with pin 3 unconnected.

Works like magic.

Thanks for all the help ppls.
More to discover