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I have only come here seeking knowledge...

Hi. Just joined Audiogon. In my first search here I didn’t find anything close to what I was looking for.

Background:

I gave up on vinyl when I bought my first CD player back in 1985. In early 2017, I got the vinyl bug again and bought an Audio Technica AT-LP5 based on my research, (the price didn’t hurt either). Overall, I’ve been satisfied with it, however, in the last 7-10 days, I’m hearing a pretty loud hum between tracks. When the new track starts, It either disappears or is masked by the music. Sound is as good as before this hum started.

My Rig:

Tuner- NAD C 427 (2016)

CD Player- Denon DCD-600NE (2019)

Turntable- Audio Technica AT-LP5 with VM520EB/H cartridge (2017)

Phono Stage- Alpha Design Labs GT40a (2017)

Homebuilt Windows PC with Creative Labs Sound Card, and  Exact Audio Copy,

Audacity software. (2014)

Integrated amp- Cambridge Audio CXA60 (2016?)

Speakers- Wharfedale Diamond 240 (2016?) and Wharfedale Diamond 225 on the way for Winter in South Texas. Tried Monitor Audio Bronze 2s (arrived damaged,) and Q Acoustics Concept 20s (one speaker was defective.)

Insight Quest:

Being both retied, the wife raises her eyebrows whenever I bring up the subject of electronics. The newest piece I have is the CD player.

I’m putting money away for a new turntable. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I got it down to two. I’m thinking of either the Pro-Ject X1, or the Audio Technica AT-lp7. I’d really appreciate any help and/or ideas. Thanks!


badapple
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,679 posts
 
Oh, btw....Coming here for knowledge is sometimes asking for a drink....
...and getting hit with a firehose....;)

Cheers, J
danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
I agree that the ground wire is probably the culprit.  It could have some corrosion at the contact screws.  Also, make certain that all your electronics are plugged in polarized.  If you have any two pronged electrical cords, find the marker on them and make certain that the striped or ridged wire side is plugged into the larger hole in the outlet.  This is the ground; the other wire is the power, or hot lead.You might also check your cable for corrosion.  A simple twist, or better disconnect-connect routine can clean off oxidation.  If that works, find some anti ox stuff.
badapple OP
20 posts
 
Haven’t got around to really inspecting the OEM ground wire. It’s very thin and I wouldn’t be surprised the spades are just plain mild steel. I think it was either corrosion and/or I disturbed/damaged it when I changed the speaker cables. I guess that’s what I get for trying to save time?

badapple OP
20 posts
 
Along those lines, Since the early 70s, I’ve always used the same kind of RCA interconnects I use between a tape deck and tuner to the line inputs on the connections between a turntable and phono input on my integrated amps, or, in this case the input on the phono preamp. Now I read that I should use a low capacitance audio cable. Any advice?
mg16's avatar
mg16
118 posts
 
"Things they do not teach in college".
Sting: "Wrapped around my finger"
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