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Need help solving a hum problem

I have been having problems with a hum issue in my system. I have a VPI classic 1 that is connected to a rogue ares tube phono. I know that the tubes will cause a bit of hiss but, this is more of a low level hum. I do have my turntable grounded to the phono stage. I purchased an APS purepower 1050 with hopes that it would solve this issue as the APS is supposed to isolate the components from the power grid. I believe the APS unit is doing the job properly as the hum is not present with any other source, only the turntable. This leads me to think it is either a ground issue or EFI/RFI on my IC's. I am using the VPI phono cable. I am not sure what brand it is. I have read other reports of this cable being noisy. I am also using nordost blue heaven RCA IC's from my phono stage to my pre-amp. I am not sure if these are shielded or not. They are the flatline type cable. I am almost positive the problem lies within the turntable and phono chain somewhere. Should I have my phono stage grounded to my pre-amp? If so, What should I use for a ground cable? I have also thought about trying some audioprism quietline wall warts. Any suggestions are welcome
andyprice44

Showing 2 responses by andyprice44

andyprice44 OP
133 posts
 
thanks for the heads up. I will try it as a temporary fix to determine which component is causing the hum issue. then I will address the problem from there with a permanent solution with correct grounding
andyprice44 OP
133 posts
 
I have solved most of the problems I was having this afternoon. I did go to the hardware store and picked up some 16g copper wire to make some ground leads. I have now connected all of my components to the ground lug on my power supply. My phono stage is a rogue ares. It has selectable dip switches for the grounding. I switched it to ground only the right channel. This made the majority of the hum go away. I can only hear it now when the volume is maxed out. When I am listening at my normal volume at my chair, I cannot hear a hum. I can hear it when I stand next to the speaker.
I talked to Peter Lederman from soundsmith this afternoon. He was nice enough to help me troubleshoot a bit. He said I might be having an issue with my exposed tonearm wire on my JMW 10.5 tonearm. It does not use a shielded wire. This may cause some interference with my high output moving iron cartridge. He said to try wrapping it with a single strand of copper wire. A small wire like the size of a hair. Then terminate this wire to the ground lug on the turntable. This should help to shield the tonearm cable.
He also suggested using some 3-prong to 2-prong adapters and only earth ground one piece of your equipment. I am going to earth ground my phono stage and then connect my turntable ground to the ground lug on the phono stage.
I did try the turntable without using the ground on the phono cable and it sounded worse. I will try these ideas out and report back later.

Andy
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