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RFI noise/ FM overlay Any way to eliminate it?

I live in a high rise apartment in Honolulu Hawaii. Last year, I purchased a Jolida JD-9 phono pre-amp which mostly uses tubes. Right out of the box, it picked up RFI noise on one channel then overlayed the FM transmissions on both channels I tried everthing to eliminate it, but nothing worked, I subsequently sold the unit. I have avoided any type of tube components or hybrids. However, I have a chance to buy a used/VGC Musical Fidelity A-5 which uses a tubed output stage. My question is this will I experience the same RFI and FM interference as with the Jolida phono box because they both use one or more tubes.

I don't understand how design similarities(tubes)could possibly produce the same problems. BTW, There is a FM transmission tower about 1 mile away, but I don't know if its signals affect my building. Therefore, I need some advice as to whether I will have similar problems with CD player, and want to avoid hassles with the buyer regarding a return. I do use a power line condition, an Audio Prism Wedge which is about 15 years old; but it did had no affect on eliminating the problem with the Jolida. All advice and comments welcomed. Thanks, Jim
sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by almarg

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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I think you are referring to the A5 CD Player, as opposed to several other types of components that Musical Fidelity also designates as A5.

If so, you are far less likely to have RFI problems from radio stations with a CD source than with a phono source, because the signal levels that are produced by a phono cartridge are vastly lower than those that are involved in CD playback. I don't think that tubes vs. solid state has anything to do with it.

Good luck!
-- Al
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