Low level Hum in Phono Signal Path


There is a distinct low level hum noise evident through my speakers when the phono mode is on. Can't be heard from the seating area but can be heard when your ear is in front of the speaker, either side. This noise is also dependent on the volume; the higher the volume the louder the noise. What is causing this noise and can it be remedied. (Equipment involved: BAT PK 5 phono preamp, Transrotor turntable with Benz Micro Ruby 3H cartridge)
frepec

Showing 1 response by frepec

Thanks for the help, even Bob (acoustat6). I guess that was a little redundant. And, by the way Bob, it's Princeton. Just kidding. Let me bring you up to date. Some of you have asked about my cables. Using Tara Labs ISM cables though out. However, the tone arm cables are not plug-in type so they are what came with the 'table. They are shielded, RCA. The 'table is $5000.00, with arm, so I am assuming the wire is better than say lower end but obviously not top of the line either.

I have the tonearm grounded to the BAT PK5 phono stage which is a tube unit. The phono stage is two shelves below the TT as is the Preamp (Mcintosh MC2200). There is very little audible noise on CD mode. By removing and reinstalling the arm ground wire to the phono stage, I was able to lower the phono noise level to about half of what it was. Must have been a sloppy connection. My dealer says that if I can't hear the noise from the listening chair, don't worry about it. It is not annoying but I was interested in what causes this noise and if it is possible to get rid of it totally. From the replies I just read it appears to be a grounding issue. It also appears that I probably can't get it any quieter than it is now, which is acceptable.

Thanks again to all who replied, including Acoustat6.