BEST INTERCONNECT FOR $25 EACH?

terry9

A star ground is important if ground is used as a circuit element, such as a signal return. A shield attached at one end is not part of the circuit, and cannot form a ground loop, or hum.

This is completely mistaken - a shield attached at only one end most certainly can either form a ground loop and contribute to hum and noise, or help alleviate hum and noise. That's exactly the purpose of using such a shielded cable, but of course it requires proper orientation of the shield to be effective. Remember that the term "ground loop" is really a bit of a misnomer; we can say a "ground loop" is formed whenever two or more grounds are at different potentials.

Also, the term 'source tend' seems ambiguous to me - is it the turntable or the preamp?

It's the preamplifier. What would be the purpose of running all the grounds through the pickup arm and cartridge?

As noted, star grounding is unimportant in this case.

Your connection scheme may work in your system, but I know for sure it wouldn't work in mine. I can't see any value in using an amplifier - as opposed to the preamplifier - as the common ground connection.

Is this thread serious?

I think it started out that way ...

"Your connection scheme may work in your system, but I know for sure it wouldn’t work in mine. I can’t see any value in using an amplifier - as opposed to the preamplifier - as the common ground connection."

+1 cleeds

Many years ago when amps and preamps began using 3 prong AC cords, it was recommended that if there was a hum in the system, then use a cheater plug on the amp. I actually heard this at a CES show from a highly respected amp designer.

"Also, the term ’source tend’ seems ambiguous to me"

terry9

That’s why I tend to say sending end, no confusion. If you think sending end is not the correct way to connect shield/drain, then you should notify all the cable manufacturers that’s been doing it wrong, some for ~35 years.

@cleeds 

"we can say a "ground loop" is formed whenever two or more grounds are at different potentials"

I don't think so. From Wiki, "A ground loop is caused by the interconnection of electrical equipment that results in there being multiple paths to ground, so a closed conductive loop is formed."

Closed.

Two components with ground pins connected to different grounds, whose grounds are electrically connected e.g. with a shield, forming a loop. Or, a line inside a balanced cable connecting the grounds of two pieces of equipment, plus a shield also connecting same, forming a closed conductive loop.

"What would be the purpose of running all the grounds through the pickup arm and cartridge?"

Exactly my point.

@tls49 

I think that this addresses your concerns as well.

Now let's return control of this thread to the OP, don't you think?