thanks to everyone, I will try all of the above and keep after it.
seek advice on hum problem from phono preamp
My EAR 834P phono pre produces quite audible hum at the speakers. It is plugged into a Noisetrapper isolation transformer, which is plugged into another big NT isolation transformer. Probably not a ground loop: cheater plug on the EAR, or anywhere else, doesn't help. Using a Grado Statement Ref cartridge, which is unsheilded and was prone to hum pickup from the motor on a Rega TT, but isn't close to the motor on Thorens TD850; TT is far from the EAR. So the hum comes from the cartridge or the phono pre. Is this just typical of tube phono pre's (meaning, a SS unit is the only real solution), the EAR834P in particular or a defect in same? can the type of tube be a factor, do I need a different cartridge, or what? would greatly appreciate suggestions.