2. analog
  3. 1331432102

Help with my analog rig.

Recently, being bit with analogitis, I purchased the best sounding analog I ever had the pleasure of owning; VPI Classic 3, Lyra Kleos cartridge, and a Fosgate phono preamp. Everything sounds wonderful, EXCEPT....a constant low level hum (that increases with volume), and a problem with RF that seems to come and go.
Everything is plugged into a Running Springs Audio power conditioner. I've tried everything. This thing is haunting me. All of my cables are dressed and spaced apart properly.
I've been checking posts about analog noise, and there seems to be a lot of people experiencing the same problem as I am. Especially, if they are
using a tube phono preamp. The only thing I can think of is trying a Grant
Audio Ground Zero. According to what I have read, it will address the
hum problem, but I still may be left with the RF problem.
I absolutely love the sonic quality of the Fosgate, but if this tube preamp is the source of my noise problems, perhaps I should think about solid state. However, I love what these tubes are doing in my system!
Sorry if I keep rambling. Anyone out there have any suggestions or recommendations about what I can do?
In advance, thanks.
louisl

Showing 1 response by clio09

clio09
3,343 posts
 
Typically if the noise increases with volume a component is the problem. However, there are easy but time consuming ways to diagnose the problem. It would help if you had a set of shorting plugs handy for the diagnostics. Maybe even a set of Jensen plugs used specifically to detect ground loops. Cheater plugs are also something you should have on hand.

In any case remove everything from your system but the amp and speakers. This means removing all appropriate interconnects and power cables. My recommendation would be to plug your amp into a wall socket, not the Running Springs. Short the inputs of your amp and turn it on. Listen for hum and noise. If you hear noise it could be the problem or just one piece of it. Try a cheater plug on the power cable and see if the noise goes away. Continue hooking up each component one at a time repeating the exercise.

The Ground Zero never worked for me and is more pain than pleasure IMO. Running Springs makes great products but don't rule it out as part of the problem. I typically have only one component grounded in my system and float the grounds on the others. This may or may not work for you. Also, is your equipment single ended, balanced or a combination of both?
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