I have heard RFI noise from some Class D switching amps to be continuous and at high frequencies. I would associate "Pops and clicks" more typically with static electricity on vinyl records themselves when discharged through the phono ground periodically during playback rather than prior to playing . Low level phonos are without doubt most susceptible to all these noise sources + EMI as well.
Static electricity: Unique to Vinyl Systems?
I have recently replaced a turntable/cartridge and a phono preamp, but on both systems, I get a lot of pooping and clicking noises that occur even when a record is not playing. This does not happen with the digital sources in the same system.
Is this some kind of static electricity that only effects analog? Would something like a zerostat fix this?
Is this some kind of static electricity that only effects analog? Would something like a zerostat fix this?
Showing 7 responses by mapman
I have room conditions similar to the OP and have an old Radio Shack anti-static carbon fiber record brush I use on each record prior to playing. THat seems to help remove static electricity accumulated on vinyl prior to playing. Been doing this with success for a long time. I take it for granted somewhat these days but would not want to be without it. IT was a $10 or so item at Radio Shack back when vinyl was still king. Not sure if still available or who might sell a similar device these days but willing to bet they are still out there somewhere. |
Something like This |
A noticeable hum in the phono when not playing could be eletromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by nearby power transformers. I had this problem recently caused by nearby outside air conditioning/heating units and other nearby electric devices with power transformers. Proximity of phono/pre-amp to power amp transformers is a common scenario for this. The solution is to add distance from phono gear to any nearby power consuming electric devices. Pops/clicks could be related to this, but not sure. The hum itself is a clear problem to address and see what happens. In my case, I was able to eliminate the hum completely by placing my low level phono step up pre-amp inside rolled up mu metal foil and adjusting the location somewhat. Mu metal foil is inexpensive and designed for this purpose. In any case, look for nearby devices with power transformers and try adding distance between your phono section and that device and see if hum level decreases or changes with location. That would at least help identify the source of teh problem. How to resolve from there would depend. If the phono pre-amp is integrated into the same box as other amp componenets, it could be an inherent problem or design flaw that would be tougher to resolve. I do not recall if you use an outboard phono pre-amp or a phono pre-amp built into a pre-amp or integrated or receiver perhaps? |
Richard, Sorry I just realized reading that the hum is no longer an issue. EMI is likely not the concern currently then. Tube issues in the phono pre would seem a likely suspect. Tube tolerance in a phono section can be problematic and only the highest quality, quietest tube or tubes are needed for best results. If the phon pre-amp output can be run into a different line level input on the pre-amp or whatever device the phon pre is feeding, that would be an easy and worthwhile test. Also, be sure that the phono pre-amp putput level is properly matched to teh pre-amp input. You would not for example want to run a line level output from a phono pre-amp into a lower level (than line) phono input on a pre-amp, for example. |