Can I ground my preamp?

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

Rrog, disconnect the interconnects from your amp and turn it on. If there is still hum, you have a problem in the amp. This is unlikely. If not put the ic between the preamp into the amp, but with nothing plugged into the preamp. If you have hum, it is the preamp. If it is in one channel, that is the problem. This is improbable. Switch the ics at the preamp. If it switches, it is the preamp.

If no hum, connect one source. The one that adds hum is the problem. Put a cheater on its pc. If that doesn't help it, it is in that source.