Grounding problem: I'm clueless


Hi folks,

I'm getting a serious buzz/hum through my speakers when listening to vinyl.

Equipment:
-Kenwood KD500 w/Rega RB300 arm and Grado Gold MM cartridge
-Antique Sound Lab Mini Phono tubed phono stage
-Audio Aero Prima hybrid integrated
-Silverline SR15 monitors

The previous owner of the phono stage attached a ground plug to the outboard power supply, he said it got rid of the hum for him. No such luck here. I've tried running a ground cable from the turntable to the preamp, and from the turntable to the power supply. It's quieter when attached to the power supply, but still not really acceptable.

Some more info: power is being filtered through a Shunyata Guardian. Once in a while I'll heard a very faint radio signal through on of the speakers. Not sure if any of that matters, but there it is.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
lousyreeds1

Showing 2 responses by lousyreeds1

Hi Rar1,

Thanks for your response. There has always been a tiny bit of buzz from the amp, but it only got to be a problem when I added the turntable.

I don't think I'm using the term "ground plug" correctly. The previous owner attached a metal nub on the power supply right next to the power cord. I've been running the ground cable from that nub to the turntable.

The turntable's power cord is permanently attached and it is two-pronged. I tried plugging it into the wall, no difference.
Hi folks, thanks for the advice.

Opalchip, I just tried to isolate the cause as you suggested. The phonostage without the TT going through it is reaaallly loud. When I plugged the TT directly into the amp, it was silent. Does this mean that my phonostage and amp aren't getting along? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks again.