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cd player - xlr output buzzing

currently using the xlr output of this cd player;
http://www.cattylink.com/page153.html

to the RCA input of this preamp;
http://www.cattylink.com/page309a.html

I am using a generic female xlr -> male rca cable. Each time I start the system up, there is buzzing and harmonics in the speaker output at low volumes. It is okay at higher volumes. I tried to see if it is the tubes, or the output, but nothing alters the problem except using the RCA output of the cd player into the RCA input of the preamp.

The only reason I don't use the RCA output is that it runs directly to another amp/system and the RCA cable is far longer than the XLR->RCA cable.

Is there any possibility that the higher vrms of the xlr output is causing the buzzing? Would it be wiser to simply buy an xlr female to xlr male adapter and then use an RCA->RCA cable in conjunction with the adapter to see if the buzzing continues?
bleoberis

Showing 2 responses by davehrab

davehrab's avatar
davehrab
380 posts
 
"there is buzzing and harmonics in the speaker output at low volumes."
"It is okay at higher volumes."

It sounds a little like a ground loop and this may be the smoking gun

"The only reason I don't use the RCA output is that it runs directly to another amp/system and the RCA cable is far longer than the XLR->RCA cable.

If the other >>"amp system"<< is in another room ... it is probably plugged into an outlet that is fed from the opposite side BUS in your main panel box that your main system's outlet is fed from

Main system and preamp plugged into outlet fed from BUS A ... other amp system in the other room plugged into outlet fed from BUS B ...this will create a ground loop

Try disconnecting the RCAs that feed the "other system" in the other room from your preamp and see if the noise goes away
davehrab's avatar
davehrab
380 posts
 
I wonder if one of these XLR to RCAwould help

You should be able to find less expensive models by other Mfgers if you Google around

I also noticed that your CD player's output voltage on the XLRs is 4 Volts and that your preamps input voltage is only 215 MV ... could it be possible that you are picking up some of the noise floor from the CD player because of it's high output relative to the preamps very low input sensitivity ?????????
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