Rega hum

Headsnappin

My Pre is one shelf above my power amp - a Rotel RB-1092 - about 2.5" from top of power amp to bottom of pre separated by .75" of oak.

Arch7,
If I were to upgrade my power cord should I upgrade the pre or the amp power cord? The power cord to my TT PSU is not detachable.

Thanks to all who have submitted their opinion.

Miner42, try moving the pre away from the power, 2.5 inches is not very far, the oak shelf makes no difference. The phono section of the pre is probably right above the power transformer in the amp.

Hello Miner42:

If you upgrade the power cord start with the preamp. Do you have a local dealer? They should lend you a cord or 2 to try, hopefully ones that are broken-in. You would hear immediately if it makes a difference or not with the hum. Whether or not it helps the hum it should improve your overall sound especially if you're using a stock cord now. Then the can of worms if officially open. Power conditioner? Upgraded power outlet in the wall. Dedicated circuits. Nuclear reactor in the basement.... it's endless.

It definitely has to do with the cartridge/phono section. With all power off accept the pre/amp and phono chosen, I get the hum when volume is turned up. I move the arm over and place stylus on an LP (not running), the hum is still there (thought activating the magnets in the cartridge might stop hum). I'll try placing the DVR cable box between amp & pre.

Try also different combinations of where things are plugged in. Most amps/preamps if the are separate units like to be plugged into the same source to prevent ground loop hum. Try that or try plugging the TT into a different outlet, even try running a long extension cord from another circuit just to test it.