2. amps-preamps
  3. 1286405951

Can I ground my preamp?

I have monoblocs each w/their own grounded cord and a preamp w/o a grounded cord. The problem is that I'm getting a slight ground hum from each amp. The amp manual says if this happens to use a cheater plug on the amps and to ground "at least one other component." Is it possible to ground my preamp, and if so how? Many thanks for any advice.
bojack
clio09
3,355 posts
 
Rather than use cheaters I disconnect the ground wire at the IEC end of my PC. Of course, you can only do this if the PC has a removable plug, like Oyaide, Watt Gate, etc. Only my preamp is grounded and I do hear a reduction in noise, but depending on the amp I'm using, it may not solve all the problems.

I've been told that if one uses interconnects that are shielded, it's best that the shield is connected to the ground at one end of the cable. I've also been told you can disconnect the entire ground at one end of an interconnect. Never tried it, but maybe someone here can comment on that.
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rrog
1,958 posts
 

"Did that in my system. Didn't solve the problem."

Was it a ground loop problem?
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almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Clio09: I've been told that if one uses interconnects that are shielded, it's best that the shield is connected to the ground at one end of the cable. I've also been told you can disconnect the entire ground at one end of an interconnect. Never tried it, but maybe someone here can comment on that.

Tvad: Correct. The end that connects to the preamp should have the shield connected. The end of the IC that installs at the amp(s) or sources has the shield unconnected. This also goes to the issue of directional indicators on some interconnects, which will point to the end that has the shield connected (rather than indicating signal flow).
That is correct, but only in the case of interconnects that do not use the shield as the signal return conductor. Or interconnects that have an inner shield used as the return conductor, and a separate outer shield, which may be grounded at only one end. It is common, especially among lower priced interconnects, for there to be one shield, and for it to be used as the signal return conductor, in which case disconnecting it at either end would result in very loud hum.

Also, based on what I've read different manufacturers do not always define the arrow consistently, in some cases having it point to the end at which the shield is grounded, and in other cases having it point in the direction of the destination component.

Best regards,
-- Al
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