Help with loud pop when AC kicks on - phono amp problem


Hi everyone,

Back with yet another power line issue.  I have a Croft RIAA phono amp power that is causing a very loud pop whenever the AC unit kicks on and again when the fan starts a few seconds later.  In some cases the pop is so loud that it can be heard three rooms away.  It can be heard over even the loudest music peaks.  I'm afraid that it might damage the unit or the speakers, so I'm hesitant to use it.  I'm not sure if new tubes might make a difference.  I hooked a CD player up to the integrated amp (right now I'm using a Jolida hybrid while I'm shopping for a new integrated), and there is no noise when the A/C starts up if only the CD player is hooked up. 

I have tried two different power cords.  Plugged the Croft into the wall, into a PLC Thingee power conditioner, and into a Furman power conditioner.  In all cases it still pops to one degree or another.  

Any thoughts on whether it's worth hunting for the problem.  I had some similar issues with a Heed Quasar phono stage.  But haven't noticed it on a couple of other phono stages.  Seems very hit and miss.

Would welcome any advice.  Thanks!
Scott
smrex13

Showing 1 response by whart

I had a similar problem with the air compressor for my tonearm- the compressor is a high quality model made by Silentaire, and even the additional box supplied by the tonearm maker-Kuzma- and wired into the compressor motor connection--did not ameliorate it, nor did having the compressor connected to a dedicated line. What solved the problem -and I now use an even larger compressor with a bigger surge tank--was a large isolation transformer. Without it, you’d hear a nasty snap through the audio of the system when the compressor kicked on or off. Since you don’t necessarily have the ability to isolate the air conditioner this way, you might see if an isolation transformer will work to isolate your affected electronics--the main issues are: such transformers hum, so you need to find a place for the transformer that won’t interfere with your listening--in my case, the transformer and compressor are in what amounts to a large walk in closet that has been soundproofed; current draw of the transformer- you want one sufficient for your needs. These can be purchased as plug and play boxes, no wiring required, and you don’t necessarily need an "audiophile approved" one--I’m using a medical grade 1800 watt one from Tripplite right now, and only using one of the two motors on my compressor. Works fine, has a 15 amp breaker, four outlets and a decent cage around it. These can probably be picked up even cheaper from electrical supply houses, or used, but I’d make sure you know what you are getting. Almarg or someone else here with better electrical/electrician skills may be able to guide you better on specifics. I doubt a phono preamp (if that’s the only component affected) draws very much current.