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VPI Classic hum

Got mine a few weeks ago. Installed it with a high-output Benz Ace H cartridge. Loved the sound but there was a hum when I turned the preamp volume past the 10 o'clock position. Later changed to a Clearaudio Concerto, the hum was quieter, but wouldn't go away no matter what I tried.

Then I read the manual closely, and it said something about using shielded interconnects. So I tried a pair of Rega Couple wires, which are made from Klotz cable, and are shielded.

And you know what, the hum just vanished! Now I'm at peace ...

Just to share with those have hum issues with the Classic. Do share your solutions.
bassraptor

Showing 8 responses by macdadtexas

macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Actusreus, I have no noise at all now, with the Soundsmith VPI Zypher. Dead quiet, great cartridge. Love my analog again, simply sounds incredible to me.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
You need a well shielded cartridge with the Classic to stop the hum.

I had an expert suggest Soundsmith, and it's a dude who should know.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
works fine with HO cartridge, it just must be well shielded. The hum you are getting is from the cartridge not being shielded well enough to block the hum from the motor which is integrated into the plinth.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I got the recommendation of the Soundsmith Cartridges from Michael Fremmer, and I LOVE mine. They make lower output models if that's a requirement, but most are higher output.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
the hum comes from the motor, and an unsheilded cartridge. No armtube, cables, or anything else is going to make a difference. With the motor in the plinth, you need a different type cartridge, well shielded.

Not a fault, just a design quirk, that means you need to use a certain type cartridge to get the absolute best sound from the deck.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Just get a better shielded cartridge, that's all it takes. No other changes needed. It's not the arm, it's not cords.

Motor in plinth = hum with unshielded cartridge.

I have the Classic. I had a Grado Statement the Reference 1 (great cartridge) and I was getting tons of hum. Tried all sorts of things ($$$$), Michael Fremmer suggested that I try the Soundsmith Cartridges since they are so well shielded by design. I did, and what a huge change. No hum, great sound. I have a Soundsmith Zypher, which was quite a bit cheaper than my Grado, and sounds so good with the Classic I can't believe it.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
IT'S NOT THE ARM!!!!!!

ARRGGGHHHHH. Going down the wrong road, making this too complicated.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
The Soundsmiths are all MI high output cartridges, you can check the website (www.sound-smith.com) for the particulars. They can be used with MM phono stages. I use the Soundsmith's now, but it's not the only well sheilded cartridge. Dynavector and many other manufactures make well sheilded cartridges that guard against hum.

Call NeedleDoctor and ask them for recommendations based on well sheilded cartridges, and/or start a string on here.

BTW - I tried about 6 cartridges before I settled on the current one I have in use.
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