Static electricity: Unique to Vinyl Systems?

Richard,

Sorry I just realized reading that the hum is no longer an issue. EMI is likely not the concern currently then.

Tube issues in the phono pre would seem a likely suspect. Tube tolerance in a phono section can be problematic and only the highest quality, quietest tube or tubes are needed for best results.

If the phon pre-amp output can be run into a different line level input on the pre-amp or whatever device the phon pre is feeding, that would be an easy and worthwhile test.

Also, be sure that the phono pre-amp putput level is properly matched to teh pre-amp input. You would not for example want to run a line level output from a phono pre-amp into a lower level (than line) phono input on a pre-amp, for example.

Al, the previous mm cartridge was used with a different phono stage, not with the Jolida. It was used with PS Audio phono, which doesn't offer as many choices as the Jolida for cart settings, basically a mm and an mc setting. The PS Audio and the Rega P5 with a mm cart worked well for a while, but the phono developed the hum after it was off warranty and the manufacturer hasn't been helpful (basically telling me not to send it in for a repair).
In the meantime this other noise developed, well after the hum developed (I was tolerating the hum for a couple of years, most of my listening is digital anyway). Ultimately I decided to uograde my vinyl and first added the Clearaudio
mc Emotion cart and tt. The increase in low level detail pushed me over the edge for tolerating noise from the phono, and I was interested in a tubed phono stage. I've had a tubed linestage preamp in the past, so I know what the background sound of tubes is, but this noise, which was present on the old phono stage, is clearly different.
I live in Chicago, about 4 miles from the Music Direct Outlet. I picked up the Musical Surroundings Nova Phono stage earlier today. This is solid state but battery operated. The battery is charging at home now. I'm hoping that it is less prone to RFI. If not, it goes right back. If it is quieter, then the Jolida, goes back.
Mapman, I'll try running the Jolida into an AVR in my surround sound system, just to see what background noise is produced. The AVR is in a different level ofthe house, so that could be a different RFI zone, which is another variable...

Problem solved.
The Musical Surroundings Nova completely almost eliminates the sound. If I stick my ears against the woofers, I can detect it, barely, but not while listening to the same records that were plagued before.
I think I liked the basic sound of the Jolida more, but the rfi was driving me cuckoo.
I live in a suburb called Oak Park (think Frank Loyd Wright). My home theater installer told me we have a problem with rfi. I think it may be because we are are equidistant and close to both major airports.
I'm curious to know how Sim Audio and Parasound (John Curl) phono amps would fare here, as both are supposed to be quiet designs that attempt to minimize rfi, but I won't be investing the funds to find out.

Good to hear.

So was it external RFI or some internal issue or issues with the phono pre-amps I wonder?

Good to hear. RFI is only increasing. I ended up shielding my AC power from my dwellings service entry to the audio systems power cables. An under 1K upgrade that provided a substantial improvement.