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Need help solving a hum problem

I have been having problems with a hum issue in my system. I have a VPI classic 1 that is connected to a rogue ares tube phono. I know that the tubes will cause a bit of hiss but, this is more of a low level hum. I do have my turntable grounded to the phono stage. I purchased an APS purepower 1050 with hopes that it would solve this issue as the APS is supposed to isolate the components from the power grid. I believe the APS unit is doing the job properly as the hum is not present with any other source, only the turntable. This leads me to think it is either a ground issue or EFI/RFI on my IC's. I am using the VPI phono cable. I am not sure what brand it is. I have read other reports of this cable being noisy. I am also using nordost blue heaven RCA IC's from my phono stage to my pre-amp. I am not sure if these are shielded or not. They are the flatline type cable. I am almost positive the problem lies within the turntable and phono chain somewhere. Should I have my phono stage grounded to my pre-amp? If so, What should I use for a ground cable? I have also thought about trying some audioprism quietline wall warts. Any suggestions are welcome
andyprice44

Showing 1 response by newbee

newbee
4,751 posts
 
Try disconnecting the ground from the TT to the phono stage. On rare occasions some cartridges work better without this ground. Worth a try.

To see if the hum comes from the phono stage, try using a cheater plug on the phono stage PC and see if it goes away. If it does you have identified a ground loop problem as opposed to other possibles. If that works I would leave the cheater plug in place and relax, although others might not. You do not IMHO need to establish a seperate ground between your phono stage and your pre-amp.
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