2. amps-preamps
  3. 130786-78412

Thinking of a new preamp and looking for advice...

So, I am currently running a BAT VK30 into a Parasound A21 to Golden Ear Triton 2 speakers.  Sources are a Sony Z1ES and a Linn LP12 to a Parasound JC3+ phono stage. Green Audioquest cables all around. Most of my listening is vinyl--lots of jazz and 70's-80's rock and female vocals. I love the sound of my system, but the BAT is very finicky about power, and I have a ground loop that I cannot find...It works fine at other locations, but has a hum in only the right channel in my listening room...It's driving me bananas!

I demoed a Sonic Frontiers LS1 and the ground loop was gone, but it didn't have the open airy sound that my BAT does.  I am looking into an Audio Research LS-27, and also a McIntosh C47.  My must haves for a new preamp are at least 2 balanced inputs and balanced outs, and a remote control.  I may like to stay with tubes, but I'm not opposed to SS either.  Price-wise my ceiling is around $4000.  I would love to here from anyone who has either of these preamps as to what they like or don't like about them.  I am also open to suggestions. 

Thanks for your input.

128x128jptenberg1

Showing 3 responses by cleeds

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cleeds
5,699 posts
 
jptenberg1
I have a ground loop that I cannot find...It works fine at other locations, but has a hum in only the right channel in my listening room...
What makes you certain that the cause of the hum is a ground loop? Typically, a ground loop causes hum in both channels. Have you tried swapping cables from left to right to ascertain the problem isn't in the cable itself?
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cleeds
5,699 posts
 
I am still not convinced that this is a ground loop, especially because you report that the Jensen xformers didn't resolve the problem.

Here's what I suggest: Connect to your preamp a battery operated source, such as an iPod or portable radio, using a cable you've already proven is not defective. If the result produces hum, your problem is something other than a ground loop.
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cleeds
5,699 posts
 
jptenberg1

cleeds

Good suggestion. I just tried it with my iPod. Iplugged it into a SE input and the hum was not there. As soon as I connected another cable to the right channel, the hum came back...

Have you checked the electrical wiring in your house? You might want to verify that hot and neutral have not been reversed anywhere in the house, and that the safety grounds are connected to neutral only in your service panel. Check the integrity of all connections in the service panel to assure yourself that they are tight and clean. If you're not familiar with how to do this safely, call a good electrician.


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