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Static from Aesthetix phono stage when tt not on

I have a Rockport Serius II and Aesthetix IO Signature which are connected by a modest ground. Each outlet is dedicated and the audio service has a isolated ground to two ground bars.

I got the tt up and running with new audiophile vinyl and the sound was black in background, clear with high impact and dynamics and plenty of detail.

Everything seemed great for the first round. I weighed the stylus pressura and brought it within tolerance. There was NO STATIC in the music or when the music was not playing.

Today after running the Aesthetix for a day and after playing about 10 lp's there was static building up even when the TT was turned off.

I really don't know where to look for this one.

Is it the phono stage? The 25' Jena interconnects laying on the floor? The TT?

It does not appear to be the Tenor's as they have no noise in other channels.

Thoughts on the problem and identification pattern appreciated.

Bill E.
lakefrontroad

Showing 3 responses by lakefrontroad

lakefrontroad OP
302 posts
 
Hi Albert,

I've had the Rockport about a month and the Aesthetix just a little longer, but there have been a few problems with the Aesthetix in shipping and it's been back to California twice.

The static is transient almost line static which occurs whether there is a record playing or not. It's a slight pop-crackle which doesn't occur when the Aesthetix is just warming up. It's not as pronounced a pop as record pop, it's more a creckle. I try touching everything and it doesn't eliminate it or creat it.

Any thoughts?

Bill E.
lakefrontroad OP
302 posts
 
I'm embarrased to say that I'm having a hard time recreating the problem. Mike Lavigne reminded me that the platter is not conductive so that every time I take a record off it builds up static in the Rockport. Also, he suggested that the central ac may be creating some line static when it cycles on.

I'm going to take a lot more time listening and do my best to isolate the issue.

I'll try your recommendations and get back to this thread as soon as I know more.

Bill E.
lakefrontroad OP
302 posts
 
I've been through a series of trials and it seems that the TT produces static on removal of the record because it's an air bearing under the platter and the tonearm is an air bearing.

In addition the phono stage is making funny ripping like crackling noises which appear to be static mostly from the left channel. There are some pops which seem to be record hiss and pop, but the strange sound is intermittent but occurs a number of times per minute. It appears to start after the unit is warmed up for a few minutes.

There were strange transient noises yesterday and I learned that Aesthetix IO's with two power supplies like to be separated by a lot of air. So, I moved the power supply from the middle shelf to an amp stand to the right of the turntable and they have not returned. It probably didn't help that it was about 100 outside yesterday and the Tenors and the Aesthetix don't really help the temperature in the audio room.

I swapped five of the nine tubes on each side and the noise still comes from the left channel.

When I disconnect the TT the noise is the same and when I disconnect the IO from the Tenors it disappears.

What is the problem?

I don't know.

Bill E.
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