Has anybody never been able to solve a hum static problem with a phono pre amp?


I have had for years now a hum/static problem with my phono pre amp. I have not been able to listen to analog for too long a time. Let us just say for years. I have localized it to the phono pre amp when it is just attached to the pre amp and amps. Nothing to do with the head amp and turntable. I have tried 3 different models and it is the same problem. I have tried every single piece of info I have found on  audiogon and the internet. Cheater plugs, giving it its own socket, grounding it to every piece of equipment, moving it away from system, moving router, making sure connectors are shielded... I have even had two turntable experts from the NY tri state metro area come over and they cannot figure it out. This was not the case when I got it initially. It was dead quiet. But I changed my setup from a Toshiba black box to a flat screen TV and that’s when the problem started. That’s how long it has been. But to be honest I had that black box long after people had switched to flat screens. TV wasn’t that important to me. I sometimes think at the same time somebody in my apartment building or surrounding dense city area put up an antenna and it is causing interference about which I can do nothing. As I said I live in a large apartment building so I cannot rewire.

Has anybody else not been able to resolve this problem and had to give up on analog? Digital is perfect. It is so unfortunate because vinyl has an intoxicating compelling sound like nothing else.

roxy1927

The TV may be the culprit from EMI/RFI or it could be a ground loop caused by a CATV coaxial.  

This could also be another power line noise issue from in the home.  I'd start by turning off every breaker in the house, and unplugging (not just off) any devices on the same breaker as your audio equipment. 

He lives in an apartment building of indeterminate size. That’s part of the problem. RF could emanate from a neighboring apartment either over the air or over common AC lines.

I had a problem with EMI/RFI from my flat screen TV. Unplug the TV and see if the issue goes away.

reubent, You are now the 4th person, after me and 2 others, to suggest unplugging the TV. Great minds think alike. We can only hope the OP is still reading the thread.

This may be a case of 60Hz leakage current getting in to the signal path. One easy way is to block it using a noise isolator. You can buy one from amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDWRGQJK?ref_=pe_148126100_1193965070_t_fed_asin_title&th=1

Insert this at the output of the phono preamp. This will not impact your signal and this is a passive device. So it will maintain signal integrity. Give this a try.