Ground Loop?


I seem to have a ground issue with my phono preamp a Parasound JC3 Jr that just started about 3 months ago. I've tried very thing. A different Preamp (Moon 350p) replaced an Emotiva XMC-1 Different TT but still has the issue whether it's connected or not. I have 2 dedicated 20 Amp lines direct to fuse box and plugged them directly into the sockets bypassing my conditioner Audiance V8. It's a tapping sound with static but when I touch the loading pot in back it stops chattering but has a low-level hum. I have even sent it directly to Parasound and no issues were found. Going nuts!

128x128oldrocker52

I’m so glad! When I read 20 awg, my heart sank. If you used audio receptacles, check the ground requirements. If interconnects are running to a device on a different ground, this may be the source of the ground loop. Hope you figure things out. Have a great weekend!

I was pretty sure the OP meant 20A wiring, so I just skipped right over that. :) 

I had similar problem with a preamp. The solution was purchasing an isolation transformer. 

Perhaps run a temporary drop cord from another outlet to the phono preamp. Costs nothing and maybe the problem goes away? If the problem remains, it’s one more resolution to scratch off the list.

Ground problems are the worst.  Sometimes it can take a while to sort them out.

The original post states "Different TT but still has the issue whether it's connected or not."  So, this means that you get the noise with no turntable connected?  The way to test for sure is to short the phono input.  If the noise persists it's not from the TT, connecting cables, or TT ground.

Here are some other things to try to see if there is any change:

(1) Use the standard AC plug to ground the line preamp and then use "cheaters" to lift the ground for the phono stage and the power amp.

(2) Use a separate single wire to connect the ground lug from the phono stage to the ground lug of the line preamp.

(3) Use a separate single wire to connect the ground lug from the phono stage to the house AC ground (can use the center screw of AC socket plate).

(4) Use a separate single wire to connect the ground lug from the line preamp to the house AC ground.

Maybe you can find the magic combination.  Best of luck.