Ground Loop Issues


I know this topic has been kicked around many times on this website, but I have not found the answer I am looking for. The current setup has a pair of Bryston 7B-ST monos plugged directly into a 20 amp dedicated circuit. The rest of the system is plugged into a Chang (CLS 9600)power conditioner which plugs into a separate 20 amp dedicated circuit. The rest of the system is a Denon CD player (DCD-1650), ARC LS3 or Cary SLP88 preamp. I also have a VPI table and ARC PH3 phono stage, but they have been removed from the system while I try to figure this out. Right now the only way I can get rid of the hum and noise is to use a cheater plug on the preamp (either preamp)and flip the switches to float the ground on the Brystons. I am baffled as to why I would have to float all of the 3-prong plugs instead of either the preamp or the amps. I should also mention that this same problem exist when I put my spare Hafler amp (9505) in the system. I don't think the problem is the equipment. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks, Scott
jdt332
Do you have a cable box connected to your preamp? #1 reason for a ground loop.
Have you tried putting everything on the same circuit to see if the ground noise goes away?
Have you changed out your interconnects with other sets? I had a 2 pairs of Monster Cables Interconnects where they didn't solder them correctly and the system hummed!!
Have you checked to make sure your electrician grounded your outlets correctly (use a ground checker)?
Have you turned off all the other circuits in your house except the stere circuit to see if the ground humm went away (something on one of your other circuits cross contamination...)?

PSaudio has an interactive website where you can trouble shoot your problem.. http://www.psaudio.com/account/humbusters.asp

Galen Carol (excellent Dealer) has an article on his website about troubleshooting ground issues.

Mapleshade recommends no grounds (for the best audio sound quality) or only 1 grounded component....

tons of thread on this....
If you have two separate AC circuits and they both hum, it sounds like you have two separate ground loops, not a single one. This might also explain why you have two float both grounds.
Jdt332, you need to start from scratch. You will need to weed out the piece of equipment, cable, or what ever, that is causing the ground loop hum.

I assume from your post you have eliminated the possibility of a bad ic. Also from your post you have at one point disconnected all source inputs from the preamp, (removed all ics), and still the hum.

(A) Get back to basics first.
*Disconnect all ics from preamp inputs.
*Plug the preamp into the same power outlet circuit as the two Power Amps. Use a multi outlet power strip for the test if needed. (Do not use power conditioner.)
*Do not use any ground lifters. All you should have is the two Power Amps connected to the preamp by ics.

Check for ground loop hum.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(B) If none, plug the preamp into the other dedicated power branch circuit. (With out the power conditioner connected.)
Check for ground loop hum.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(C) If none, add the power conditioner to the mix. (Connect the preamp to the power conditioner.)
Check for ground loop hum.
>>>>>>>>>>>>

--------------------------

(A) If you experienced ground loop hum with only the two Power Amps connected to the preamp, disconnect one Power Amp from the preamp, (remove ic).
Check for hum.

If hum is still present from the single Power Amp connected, disconnect that Amp and reconnect the other Amp.
Check for hum.

If the hum is gone....this. could be the problem. One of the power transformers primary windings could wired with reversed polarity.

Or it could be an aftermarket power cord with the plug and IEC connector wiring reversed on one end. This is not uncommon......

(B) If you did not have the hum with preamp and Power Amps plugged into the same dedicated circuit but do with the preamp plugged into the other dedicated circuit, check for reversed AC polarity at one of the dedicated duplex receptacles. Easiest way to check is with a polarity checker. Pick one up at HD or any Hardware Store.

If the AC polarity is correct for both dedicated circuit receptacles the problem then could be the length of the two dedicated branch circuits.
May not be your solution, but something I found interesting in a similar circumstance. We have a three way light (dim, medium, regular/bright) in the same room as my system, different outlet/different circuit. My wife put a standard light bulb in this lamp (vs. a 3-way light bulb). Whenever the lamp was turned on to anything less than full/regular/bright, I got a buzz through my amp.

Once we put one of those small flouresent lights into a overhead light that had a dimmer connected, whenever it was set to dim (even very slightly) it results in audible issues.

Not sure if either may be an issue in your case, but thought I would share this experience FWIW.
If you have a cable box connected to the system, try a Jensen VRD-1FF Cable TV Ground Loop Isolator. See www.jensentransformers.com. After going around and around, that solved my problem -- the problem originated with the TV cable. The Jensen item costs around $70. Hope this helps.