Why is a 1.5-2 volt AC signal on my Neutral line?


I have several music sources e.g. DVD, Phono, DAC, Tuner etc...

I just purchased a NAIM integrated amp and I am experiencing a hum but only from the DVD player.

I have circuit tested the entire house wiring and all is well.

After a lot of investigation I found that some units have a 1.5-2.0 volt AC signal (sounds like a 60Hz signal i.e. hum) between the neutral side of the interconnect and the earth at the power bar.

Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony units I have measured all have this signal present and it varies between 1.5 - 2.0 volts

Luxman and Cambridge Audio gear does NOT have the signal present

All units have a polarized plug with no ground pin

How can the hum be eliminated using the Pioneer DVD with the NAIM Amp?

Thanks
williewonka

Showing 5 responses by simply_q


I assume the NAIM has a three prong plug? If so, what happens if you lift the safety ground on it?

Blindjim

Water your service ground.

Service ground has absolutely no relevance at all.

Blindjim

it'll sure tell you if there is a weak connection there.

No it won't. The ground road has nothing to do with your audio system or with any ground loop noise in your audio system.

Shadorne

Whatever you do - do NOT use cheater plugs on the Naim or on the TV - this can expose you to dangerous voltages in the event of an equipment failure.

I don't recommend using them as a long term solution, but they're perfectly fine for troubleshooting.