Thanks for the suggestions. Here is my set-up currently:
I have a Kuzma Stogi tonearm with a "fixed" cable that is grounded at the Whest.
I am using a Benz M2 MC cartrdige.
I'm using Nordost Red Dawn cables as my standard IC for all components, including the Whest. I suspect they are shielded at one end, the one with the arrow which is the end I plug into the preamp. The Whest also came with it's own ICs that I will try as well.
All my components are plugged into a Running Springs Audio Haley, which is then plugged into the wall. The RSA is in a continuous "on" funtion as it has no power switch of its own.
The Whest has a PS Audio Statement connected to it with removable ground pin. Right now the ground pin is in, but I will try removing it versus using a cheater plug.
Nsgarch - would you still recommend the preamp be grounded at the wall based on this? Also, my turntable is a SOTA with a separate power supply. Can you suggest how I can ensure it is grounded properly.
Lastly, I have a Ground Zero which I have not hooked up yet. Would this potentially clear up the situation. |
Okay, I referred to the previous thread on this posted by Rich62. After some testing here is what I have come up with:
Changing the ICs on the Whest makes no difference.
Unplugging the TT power supply from the RSA and the power supply umbilical from the TT makes no difference.
Additionally, when the above is done in conjunction with either leaving the tonearm cable and ground attached to the Whest or removing them does not remove the noise, although when the tonearm cable and ground are removed the noise is reduced.
Removing the ground pin from the PS Audio Statement that is connected to the Whest does not make a difference.
I have a PS Audio P300 lying around that the RSA replaced and read a post where someone said that may work so I'll try hooking the Whest and maybe my TT into it. Also, I'll try hooking up the Ground Zero. Before I do that, I am going to reconnect my Cary PH-301 and see if it has the same effect. I recall some noise from the Cary, but never heard a radio station before.
I am getting to the point where Rich62 was in his efforts. This is entirely frustrating and to make matters worse I don't have any flexibility to move equipment around. |
Nsgarch,
Thanks for the advice. The TT does not have its own ground cable, but it does have a ground lug under the chassis. I imagine it is for the tonearm cable ground wire. I prefer attaching the ground to the phono stage instead. My preamp is a Cary SLP-98 which is offered as a linestage or with a phono stage. Since I only have the linestage the RCA inputs for the phono section are plugged, as are the tube socket holes on the top of the chassis. However, it also has a ground lug and I wonder if I should try connecting the ground for the tonearm cable there as well. Probably can't hurt. |
Nsgarch,
As for the Nordost cables they are not shielded according to what I found on their website. They have also provided a reason as follows:
"The use of flat cable geometry coupled with very precise conductor spacing alleviates the need for conventional shielding. In addition, the use of extruded Teflon provides better shielding than conventional insulation techniques. Nordost cables are not shielded because shielding increases the capitance of the cable by a factor of 55% or more when applied in the conventional manner. If the capacitance of the cable is increased high frequency information is rolled of and you don't hear all of the musical information."
Not sure if this is a proper explanation or if it is contributing to the problem as you indicate, but the P300 didn't solve anything and now I'm going back to the Cary to compare.
I'll post an update and in the meantime post a thread for suggestions of shielded ICs. |
Hooked up the Cary PH-301 which has 3 x 12AU7 and 2 x 12AX7 for tube compliment and while its noisy (hiss and some static) there is no FM or other radio interference that I can tell.
I'm at a loss at this point. More suggestions are welcome if any one can think of anything. Thanks |
Nsgarch,
Thanks for the comments. I have one question. Can I connect a wire from the TT lugnut to the phono preamp lugnut, then connect the tonearm cable ground wire to the phono preamp lugnut as well? |
The unit I have was manufactured in March 05, so I probably have one of the units you are referencing. I will probably ask him for a new set of plugs based on this to see what difference they make. Thanks for the information. |
Kel34,
Thanks for the response. It so happens the tube phono stage works fine (Cary PH-301), it's the solid state one that is causing problems. I am looking into ari-hell's suggestion as that is the cheapest way to go for now. If that doesn't work I'll try a pair of shielded ICs, as Nordost are not shielded. If all that doesn't work I have two more phono stages coming that I was going to compare against the Whest and if they work then the Whest is pobably out and I'll choose between the Hagerman and Decware. |
Audiofankj,
I have emailed James before and he has always responded in kind. I did email him about the RFI issue and given the fact that he is 8 hours ahead of me and it's the weekend I'll look for his response Monday. Also, I plugged in the phono stage without any load resistance plugs and it still picked up a radio signal. While the plug theory makes sense I'm at a loss as to why the unit would continue to exhibit the problem without the plugs being utilized.
I have also tried to work through he dealer who I bought this unit from (used) and he was somewhat helpful, but insists it is a problem with my tonearm cable or the position of the unit. I know it is not the tonearm cable as I've done many tests, and as for position, I only have so much room to manuever and nothig has worked do far.
Hopefully James will have an answer. |
Nsgarch,
I was seeking out shielded ICs and referred back to one of your posts. You mentioned a floating shield, meaning the IC is shielded on one end only. I have seen some double shielded ICs which are shielded on both ends. I'm assuming this won't work based on your post but was curious as to why.
Thanks |
Neil,
Thanks for the explanation. I was looking at the VH Audio Pulsar ICs and according to Chris Ven Haus in addition to being grounded at one end, the shield is also carrying the ground/return. So if I understand your explanation correctly this would not be the best method as it is not a floating shield.
I'll take a look at some of the other recommendations you have made for cable vendors. Could there be a situation where using floating shield ICs on the phono stage will require using them throughout the system? I'd like to just make this one replacement and be done with it.
Thanks,
Tony |
I received an email response from James Henriot. It seems there is a modification for the Whest PS .20 for areas with high RF. The modification is now standard on new models of the phono stage sold in the US and Canada. James Henriot from Whest and Bob Leitz at the Analog Shop, where the unit was purchased, have been tremendously helpful and Bob is very much interested in making me a satisfied customer, even though this unit was technically purchased used. I also appreciate all the responses here on this thread, especially Neil who surmised the problem may actually be in the phono stage itself. I've learned a lot here about the various types of noise that can creep into a system.
I'll need to send the unit off, most likely to Mitch Singerman who services these in CA (close to me at least), but I'll post a follow-up when it gets back to me. I'm also going to wait on the cables until it does come back. |
