Experience with Inline Ground Loop Eliminators?


Audio Enthusiasts - 


I am running an LTA level 2 preamp to an AGD Audion MKiii mono blocks. I've diagnosed that I have a ground loop between the two units. 

ChatGPT is recommending a passive isolation transformer that will go in-line with each RCA signal, breaking the ground loop via transformer coupling. Some of the recommended solutions are the Hall GLI-RCA Stereo Ground Loop Isolator, Recoil MGL14/GLIRCA and Sescom IL-Stereo-19 Pro Audio Hum Eliminator. 

I was wondering if anyone has used any of these devices? Or have any recommended other solutions based on your experience? 

Thanks in advance! 

 

bluethinker

@cleeds - I have the LTA preamp and AGD monoblocks both connected to a Puritan 156, so they are both on the same AC line. 

 

@erik_squires - I followed a series of diagnostic steps from

ChatGPT. When I disconnected the RCA cables between the LTA and AGD units, the hum went away through the speakers. According to ChatGPT, it’s probably a ground loop issue between those components. 
 

Jensen seems to be the recommended manufacturer for this type of problem. Again, according to ChatGPT…

@bluethinker So if I'm understanding your question and explanation correctly your preamp and monoblocks are plugged into two different outlets on two different circuit breakers?

the LTA preamp and AGD monoblocks both connected to a Puritan 156, so they are both on the same AC line ... I disconnected the RCA cables between the LTA and AGD units, the hum went away through the speakers. According to ChatGPT, it’s probably a ground loop issue between those components. 

If the amp and preamp are on the same line, then the origin of the ground loop is elsewhere - such as a source component connected to another AC line or ground. The preamp then sees the source ground potential through the interconnect. To troubleshoot, you can disconnect your sources one at a time to test if the hum goes away.

 

ChatGPT's advice is only true IF you have no upstream components also attached.  For instance, one notorious source of ground loops is cable TV boxes.  Even if turned off, if you had the cable TV box attached to your preamp and amp you'd get a ground loop.  

So, that's why I'm asking. 

PS - That same loop also can happen from anything with an external antenna, like Satellite TV, FM, etc. 

Also, a connected PC will do this too, so before diagnosing this as a striclty preamp/amp problem make sure you've physically pulled off all upstream devices.