2. analog
  3. 1104841130

Please Help My TT is acting like a tuner

I have a Rega p9 turntable, Shelter 501 cart, Bat pk5 phono stage, Viva 300b amplifier and Galante Symphony loudspeakers. I never had any problems with my system until I moved.

Ever since I moved into my new home, I have been picking up radio stations through my TT. The oldies station comes through loud and clear every time I try to play a record!! I have tried everything: powerwraps, ferrite clamps, grounding, lifting the ground, aluminum foil, etc. The oldies station does not stop playing!!!

I am pretty sure it is the TT because the station does not play when the TT is not connected but the BAT phono is loud by itself and is making a crackling whurring sound.

Anyway I am beyond frustrated and am ready to sell my analog gear and just use digital. I have moved my system into every room in my house to no avail, I still hear the oldies station

Please help if you know what I can do. The Rega tonearm cable is hardwired. Is this my problem? Should I get a TT that has the ability to change out cables so that I can use a really powerfully shielded cable? Do the tubes need replaced in the BAT? Or will nothing work and should I either deal with the oldies station or focus on digital?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

rich62

Showing 2 responses by jphii

jphii
485 posts
 
Is the oldies station any good?

Seriously, you may need to change the arm cable. I have had a few problems with noise in my system. I always try changing cables before I run the the whole ground loop check. I found I need a cable that really rejects any intereference. My Rega RB250 is of the OL variety, and their cabling seems to be much better than stock.

I also have a RB300 that is rewired with silver wire, and while it is still better than a stock cable, it does pick up some noise. It is not shielded.

I don't know about tubes causing this problem, but that seems unlikely. Don't quote me on this, I'm no EE.

I know others here will help, so don't sell yet! It may be something easy.
jphii
485 posts
 
Rich,

Sorry to hear that. I kinda like Mustang Sally, maybe once a year! Try one more thing before you get rid of it. Turn off all the breakers in your box, except for the stereo outlets. If it stops, you have a bad ground somewhere, or it is bleeding through your house wiring. If that cures it, you may need dedicated outlets. I don't know if this is an option, but I hate to see somebody getting out of vinyl.

One other question: How old is the house? Old wiring could be the cause. When (if) you try turning off breakers, put the whole system on a power strip and use one outlet. That may help narrow it down.

Hope it helps,

Joe
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