Static Problem

I had a worse problem with my TNT III where the cartridge would no longer track due to static buildup. Touching the lp with a carbon fiber cleaning brush would solve the problem--for about 5 minutes. I called VPI and learned that it's not uncommon. Their suggestion, which worked for me was to ground the turntable. On the III, on the underside there is a metal shaft corresponding to the spindel. I looped a wire around it and attached the wire to a good ground. The problem went away. VPI also mentioned that if the above solution didn't work, they could supply conductive belts which would solve the problem, though the turntable might sound "different".

Hope this helps. Good luck

Get some moisture into that room's air. I run a humidifier full-time in my listening room during the winter, makes a huge difference in the static levels. Feels better on your sinus passages and lungs, too. Also helps to keep the wood cabinets from getting dry so fast.

Thanks for all the help. I think I will go with a humidifier and groundwire and see what happens.

On more question -- about a groundwire solution. Is there any reason not to hook up the groundwire to the ground on my pre-amp? The groundwire from the tonearm is hooked up in that way.