Tube Phonostage Causing Rumble and Noises

Thanks for the feedback. I asked Jim White about the rumble filter and he said it was a bad idea. I set the sub volume at around -20 dB. Crossing over at 35 Hz for the Apogee and 85 for the LS3/5 A. Definitely not loud.

No issue with the rumble/noise playing the DAC (Bricasti M1 Series II).

I am using XLR throughout except the tonearm cables.

I don’t have issues using the I/o with the Apogee. Maybe it’s because the frequency response is 25-25k Hz and the I/O is generating subsonic frequencies under 20 Hz.

Since the problem persists after tube swapping, I am beginning to suspect there are defective parts in the unit.

when lightning strikes twice, it cannot be just coincidence. Before I acquired the I/O, I got a Rhea Signature. The minute I turned it on, my jaw dropped to the floor seeing the speaker driver cones being pushed all the way out. It was a scary scene. I took the Rhea to a local tech. He did some measurements and concluded the Rhea was generating subsonic frequencies. I informed my distributor about the issue and he didn’t believe me. I took the Rhea to him and he witnessed his diver cones got pushed out all the way. He immediately promised a replacement and I opted for the I/O.

Can anybody offer some information about subsonic frequency coming out of a tube phono that is caused by failed or defective parts?

Thanks.

Thanks misstl. Jim White did mention RIAA curve boost. Jim also said it was impossible to eliminate the rumble to zero although I was assured the rumble was eliminated before I paid for the service. I don’t mind a little rumble but no one can listen to records while the entire room is shaking.

This is most puzzling.

Thanks again misstl. I get the rumble when the turntable is not in use.

my turntable is about 6 or 7 years old. Lightly used because I listen to digital most of the time. 

Thanks, jetter. If I can’t resolve the issue, that’s the only option. Luckily Aesthetix makes good phono. It is just as enjoyable with or without a subwoofer.

To me, the primary issue is not whether I use the sub or not. I am deeply concerned that the I/O is generating a subsonic frequency that could damage speakers with cone drivers, like what happened to the Rhea.

Hi Noromace, not in use means not playing and still connected to the select source.

my turntable is far away from a corner and the sub is at least 5 ft from the turntable.

At this point, I probably should try the rumble filter. I will give KAB a call tomorrow to get more info. Stereo5, did you mean RF-1 because I don’t see RF-5 on KAB website.

I appreciate everyone’s advices and help. Thank you all.

Hi dmguragno, thanks. I just moved the phono power cord to another receptacle.

I had an experience that a defective receptacle caused my power amp to overheat.

Hi mulveling, thanks. I will certainly look into the Hagerman.  If I can’t resolve the problem, getting the Hagerman at $1289 sounds like a good option.

I was interested in the Pass Labs XP-27 but the price is way up there. From my experience with Pass, they offer superb customer service. I have their XVR-1 crossover. The balance started to skew to the left a couple of years ago. They replaced the 4 attenuators but the problem came back after a few months. The took it back two more times and the same problem still persisted. They took it back for the fourth time and arranged for me to ship it directly to Nelson Pass. Nelson fixed it in less than a week. I only paid for the attenuators ($60) and first time shipping. They didn’t charge me anything after that. That’s good service.
 

Thanks everyone for your feedback and advices. I think I will take the easy way out, ie play records without the sub.

Thanks a million.