I can't wrap my head around this...


A very peculiar thing just happened to me. Back story - I have been rearranging my components the past few days, and ended up unplugging everything, and putting back together to help sort out my "rat’s nest" behind my rack. Once everything was up and running again, I tested each component to make sure they were sounding good.

Everything was working properly, until I noticed faint distortion from my speakers while using my turntable (in between records). After hours on seeing if the ground wire was connected, switching out ICS, isolating PCS, checking the forums, almost posting on here about the problem, and finally deciding to buy new ICS, I went to bed instead

This morning, with a fresh head (thanks coffee), this is what I noticed & I feel a little dumb about it.

Associated Gear: VPI Traveler, PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter, Parasound Halo Integrated

I had the OUTs on the Traveler connected to the OUTs on the PS Phono Converter, and the Phono INPUTS on the PS Audio were used as OUTPUTS to the Parasound. I was still playing records though, with a little bit extra distortion, but I’m not sure how sound was still being produced....and also sounding quite good. I’m not sure how long I have had the IC connected incorrectly, if it was before or after I unplugged everything.

Just thought I would share that, in perhaps someone may have an explanation... Was there an extra conversion in the Phono Converter???? Did it reverse it’s function because it realized the user error??

Very curious to see how playback was still functioning..

Everything has been adjusted to the proper setup now, the distortion is completely gone. For the record.
128x128robelvick

Showing 1 response by dweller

I'm no expert but your "condition" may occur if your circuits are not "buffered". I think buffering is done by inserting diodes into the signal path so the signal can go one way but not the other. An example: You have two active sources, both playing music, and you can hear both of them at the same time. This happened to me long ago but can't remember the precise circumstances. Hope I haven't added confusion.