Shorting Plugs and Non-shorting Plugs - Wothwhile?


Well, I have a hum that I can't isolate. I've tried all the usual fixes with no luck. I am convinced, however that the problem is interference from some other device (that I can't isolate). I have a bunch of cheap interconnects that I could use for open RCA connectors on my preamp (Tape 1, Tape 2, Tuner, etc.). Is the effort worth it? I certainly don't mind sacrificing a few cheap ICs to the audio gods. If you have an opinion, please weigh in...
licoricepizza

Showing 2 responses by bicycle_man

I had a serious hum problem in my system that turned out to be with my tuner and cd player. My pre-amp and tuner have two-prong plugs. My power amp has a three-prong grounded plug, so does my cd player.

I was be-fuddled about the hum because my tuner and pre-amp have different grounding schemes. Never-the-less, I floated the ground on the power-amp with a three to two prong plug adapter and now the nasty hum is gone. I had a ground-loop producing the nasty hum...

I hope this helps...
Oh, also, unless the cheap IC's that you spoke of are plastic garbage jobs that used to come with cassette decks, etc., you don't have to sacrifice them. Just get the cheap rca plugs from radio shack and solder the hot to ground. Viola, you have super cheap shorting plugs. Not any considerable amount of money invested, and they get the job done as well as any shorting plugs.