Ground Loop Hum - Partially Identified - Solution?

Yes,chassis-to-chassis should work.You might also try a one/two ohm resistor on the third/earth ground.

If your AVR is hooked up to the cable line, try disconnecting it. A very common source of ground loops. If that is the culprit, try a <$10 Rat shack CATV isolation tranformer.

I went to Radio Shack on Friday to get all sorts of adapters to try out to help me determine my problem. I figured I would go cheap with all the stuff I needed and then once determined I would address the problem with a sonically acceptable solution. Fortunately, the cable is not my problem.

FYI - Radio Shack has discontinued the part referenced as the CATV isolation transformer. Perhaps they will come out with a new one that is compatible with high def., that may have been the reason for discontinuing the part.

there are lots of other vendors for ooax or catv isolation transformers. Google the term and you will get lots, from <$10 to $100 (Mondial Magic). Or you can mount two of the 75-300 ohm transformers that come with DVD players and insert into the Coax line and see if that helps. If it does, then go for one of the purpose built units.

here's the part you want: Groundloop Isolation Transformer

I worked beautifully for me. $17.95 list, and they have it on special for $8.95.

Bdgregory thanks, good link. Not my problem, but sure the link may help others find what they need. Looking at the specs it appears this should pass HD too!

Anybody have any experience installing the Jensen part that serves the purpose of addressing ground loops? Where/how does this get installed?

Looking at the specs it appears this should pass HD too!

It does indeed pass HD.

As for your amp ground loop problem, I assume your CJ amp has a captive power cord. If it doesn't, PSAudio power cords have a removable ground pin. I use them for my amps. Chasis ground for the power amp is accomplished through the interconnects to the preamp.

Bdgregory, Thanks for this comment. I am in fact looking for a us PS Audio power cable, Statement or something similar used on the Gon. No issues with you doing this in your system? Not sure why running through a cheater plug is a fire hazard, yet PS offers a removable ground pin. Know anything about that?

I don't think a cheater plug is a fire hazard, but it's kind of counter logical to obsess over power cords in this hobby and put one of those in between it and the outlet.

As far as OK? goes - I was told to lift the ground by the Designer/Mfg of my power amps (EKSC Eagle 4). I had called him about hum, and he said the amp should not be grounded - all grounding should be through the preamp. He said they wouldn't ground their amps except UL listing requires it. As long as the preamp is grounded, the interconnect ground from power to pre is safety enough.

In addition, I have B&K power amps and none of them are grounded. While they have a ground capable (ie 3 prong IEC connector) power cord, they do not internally connect the ground. I'm not sure how (or if) the deal with UL listing on their amps.

Based on this, my practice has been to use PS Audio cables on my power amps and remove the ground pin. I'm not sure if anyone else makes them.

Bdgregory - I was not aware of the B&K power amps not being grounded. I am running the B&K 507 S2 HT receiver to my amp (this is where my ground loop hum is established). I tested the cheater plug approach and it took care of the hum. As you indicate, I have since purchased a couple of PS Xstream Statement power cords and removed the pins for the Conrad Johnson amp, with the same elimination of the hum that the cheater plug delivered.

Your statement though about the B&K amps now concerns me a bit as I was assuming I was grounded through my B&K.

Sorry Ckoffend - I hope I didn't raise too much confusion for you. My comment about B&K amps applies to their POWER amps, not receivers or preamps. I should also say that my statement is based on my experience opening up several B&K amps I've owned - the newest of which was a 2003 vintage. Based on how they are wired I assumed this is simply a B&K practice for power amps. The preamps I've owned have indeed been grounded. I've never owned a B&K Receiver, but based on your experience I would conclude your 507 is grounded - else the cheater plug would have no effect.