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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
roxy1927 OP
171 posts
 

Progress.

Unplugged my Samsung and I turned on phono stage, arc pre amp and pass amps and no hum or radio static.noise when this is when the noise happened before.

However when I turned on my Allnic HA3000 head amp the noise returned.

So I put the turntable interconnects directly into the mano 2 and no hum.

This is great. I can play vinyl again after a stupidly long time and would have had no idea it was the TV despite the obvious. In a way I’m sorry because the Allnic head amp along with the original Allnic H3000 phono stage made the sound so rich.

So I’d like to thank all of you for your assistance in this maddening endless head scratcher.

Now I can upgrade my phono stage to something more suitable for my system though I’m baffled as to why the head amp has turned into the culprit. Should I have it checked by an audio technician? Or should I count my blessings and let it go? I have the money for a good though not great phono stage and honestly would like to wait for an Allnic H3000 to turn up on the used market but they are rare. If not I can spend upwards towards 8 or 9k.

Any suggestions?

motown-l
346 posts
 

I have had AV related hum in the past. I found these solutions:

1. 60hz passive ground loop filter for around $20

2. Moderately priced line conditioner

3. Replacement of RCA interconnects (especially lower end ProJect turntables))

4. Grado cartridges on the wrong turntable.

roxy1927 OP
171 posts
 

60hz passive ground loop filter for around $20

 

Maybe should try this on Allnic head amp.

boxcarman
578 posts
 

I had this same problem.  I solved it by removing it from my system and getting a new one.  Seriously, it is usually a grounding problem somewhere, or a tube.

lewm
14,669 posts
 

But you don’t just have hum, correct ? You’re also hearing broadcasts in the background. I wouldn’t blame the Allnic necessarily. It may be acting as a receiver rather than as a source. Are you saying that prior to now the Allnic was not in use?

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