VPI Classic hum

Mcdaddy...that sounds like feedback. Get rid of your VPI minifeet and replace them with Bearpaws from Vermontaudio.com.

I am using the balanced (XLR) connection out of my VPI junction box. I can turn the preamp's volume control to its limit without hum or noise. The background is totally black

If you ran your tonearm/cartridge in balanced mode, you would be able to turn up your volume control to the max and not hear hum. (if indeed you have a grounding grounding issue) As I read trough the above posts, I still think that Bearpaws would eliminate lost of the feedback you are getting (putting the cartridge (just above the record without noise) and touching the record (noise). There seems to be some subsonics coming through the supporting structure, the turntable, the arm that from which you are hearing the harmonics. Also, VPI sells a small weight that can be attached to the head of the arm to change the mass...but I wouldn't readily go there before trying the Bearpaws.

Your Classic should be dead quiet. If not, call VPI and they will tell you what is wrong. Don't listen to hum....not a good thing

No one would have any problem if you use balanced interconnect

Harry has designed a new rear counterweight that eliminates the headaches that are expressed on these pages. I have replaced the simple dropped counterweight that first was shipped with my VPI 3D arm, and Harry has since shipped me his new weight. It took me less than 10 minutes to get the arm squared away with greater perfection than I ever could have done with the old weight. I am pretty sure this new counterweight would work with any VPI arm - not just the 3D. Get in touch with VPI.