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Ground loop b/w amp and phono stage

I recently bought the Ayon Triton integrated and when it is connected to my phono stage, Pass Labs XP-15, there is a major buzz coming through the speakers which increases as you turn up the volume. You can even hear it through the music when played at high volume. Needless to say, I'm not playing vinyl at the moment. But when I used the CD player, there is no buzz at all. It's only there on the input which the phono is connected to.

I have used cheater plugs, cheap cables with the ground removed, I've connected the amp directly into the wall plug, I switched from unbalanced to balanced interconnects, and am currently out of ideas. The Pass worked perfectly with my previous solid state mcintosh gear.
ssayeed
jea48
4,425 posts
 
I ended up borrowing an Aesthetix Rhea and the problem persisted. Any ideas?
02-16-11: Ssayeed

Try another set of line input jacks on the integrated amp.

Try another pair of ICs from the phono preamp to the integrated amp. Make sure the plugs are seated all the way in the jacks. Same process for the TT if plug and ICs connected.

Hook up another TT to the phono preamp. Maybe borrow one.... or go to Best buys or equivalent and buy a cheapo for a test.

If you have a B&M dealer in your area take your TT to them and have them connect it to a system of theirs...
ghost_rider
117 posts
 
Just a thought but how close is the phono stage to the amplifier?? I know I have issue with mine buzzing if it is to close to the power amp.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,807 posts
 
Ssayeed, did you cheat the AC ground on the Ayon Triton integrated? Sounds like the problem is there rather than with your phono sections!
ssayeed OP
37 posts
 
Jea48, I tried all those suggestions except the TT switch. I have used four different interconnects between the amp and the phono and used all the amp inputs on the amp.

Ghost rider, the phono is on the shelf below the amp on a wide shelf, but I have moved it to different parts of the shelf and even off the shelf altogether. No change.

Atmasphere, yes I used cheater plugs on the amp. I also used a cheater plug on the power conditioner. No change.

If I do not connect the ground wire to the phono stage, the sound is reduced but it is still there. Any more ideas?
jea48
4,425 posts
 
If I do not connect the ground wire to the phono stage, the sound is reduced but it is still there. Any more ideas?

Ssayeed,

Did you try to connect the ground to the chassis of the integrated amp? Maybe a screw on the bottom of the amp.

Have you check for proper AC polarity orientation?
Sometimes that can cause a buzz. Maybe the amp is crossed....

http://www.boundforsound.com/tweak.htm

http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/acpolarity.html

and then there is this.
http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/an004.pdf

http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/generic%20seminar.pdf

Just grabbing at straws..... Have you tried unplugging the TT from the AC power receptacle and checked for buzz?
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