Preamp Help

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llad -- Mon, 05/11/2009 - 12:51

 OK, I know my preamp is from the stone age.  It's an ARC SP11 factory upgraded to MkII.  I've had it for years, and love how it sounds with my ARC D400 MkII.
 
I recent returned from months of working out of town to a disturbing sound in the phono stage.  The best way I can describe it is when I turn the volume up there's a sound similar to an electric tooth brush or one of those battery powered stylus brushes that were popular a few years ago.  The whole system is on a dedicated power line with Richard Gray Power Company conditioning and the sound is not heard in the CD or tuner stages.  The rest of vinyl playback system consists of a VPI Super Scoutmaster Signature, JMW arm with Nordost Valhalla tone arm cable, and a Lyra Helikon cartridge.
 
I've retubed in the past, and don't recall hearing this type of distortion at those time.  Is it time to get another set of 6DJ8/ECC88's or do I have a larger issue to deal with.
 
Thanks in advance for your help.
 
LL

‹ Phono Preamps Simaudio ›

oturan34 -- Mon, 05/11/2009 - 13:19

 it sounds like you might have a RFI issue with your interconnect between the pre amp and the turntable...is it a single ended cable that you are using? if so try to get an xlr adaptr and try the turntable with  a xlr cable...i have heard the same issue in a system around here and chaging the interconnect help solve the problem.

llad -- Mon, 05/11/2009 - 14:46

 Thanks oturan.  It is single ended.  I just disconnected the interconnect from the preamp and the sound is not there.
 
I hate to add another element with it's own set of distortions to the chain.  I'm wondering if it could be caused by wifi interference either in our home or our neighbor's.  I'll trouble shoot our wifi network.  Maybe someone in the neighborhood upgraded their network while I was away.  If all else fails I will try the xlr adapter route.

oturan34 -- Mon, 05/11/2009 - 14:53

 good to hear it solved the problem...i might be the wifi...better connect the rca interconnects and turn off the wifi in your house to find out whether the noise is there

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