buzzzzz, where did i go wrong?


The setup:
spectral monoblock amps
spectral preamp
theta front end

The NEW DEDICATED CIRCIUTS
4 separate circuits each with fuses jumped off the main box and grounded to the main box
one circuit for each monoblock
one for the preamp
one for the digital front end (MIT power conditioning)

the amps and preamp each share a supplemental grounding rod. The digital end has its own supplemental ground rod
The outlets are all FIM880. These do not have an isolated ground (could that be the problem?)

I still have a buzz.low but audible; it goes away when I lift the ground from my amps. I assume I have a ground loop but I am not sure how or what I do about it. I assume I have made some awful basic error but not sure how.
I know for instance from the posts that Garfish uses three supplemental grounding rods. Maybe I should have tied all those together? any other ideas
jdwek
Have you tried putting 'cheater plugs' (lifting the ground) from all but one three pronged plug? If the buzz/hum goes away, you are good to go, since ALL components that are connected (via interconnects) to the grounded component will be safely grounded. Check out this Michael Elliott web site for more info:

http://www.altavistaaudio.com/hum.html

Hope it is as easy as that.
My guess is that the two seperate ground rods need to be tied together. If the FIM's have a common ground, then all of the grounds are tied back to the other system via the conduit. As such, you may need to tie the two isolated system ground rods back to the main house ground or go to isolated ground outlets.

As it is right now, you have the potential for multiple levels of ground within your system. Besides each ground rod that you have going, each circuit can have slightly varying levels of conductivity to ground. This is due to differences in resistance, especially if you have multiple connections along the way. If you used straight runs of wire without tying in anywhere else ( that is what a dedicated circuit is ), this should not be a problem though.

I would also take steps to weather-proof / seal the ground rod connections once you've got everything straightened out. No matter how good of a connection was made, moisture, dew and corrosion will find a way to get in there and gradually diminish all of the effort that you've put forth. Sean
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I agree with Sean. Having two separate ground systems in your rig is an open invitation to hum problems. Tie the rods together.

BTW, just for fun, before you tie them together, hook a voltmeter across your two grounds (with nothing else attached). Set it for AC and try a low voltage range. I'll bet you see a potential difference!

Also, are you running balanced or single ended interconnects?