2. cables
  3. 155959-2092

How are phono cables different (related to hum issue)?

Wrestling with frustrating humming for weeks on a new TT. Finally inserted the cheap stock phono cable, and the hum is nearly gone. Was using spendy phono cables bought separately prior. So what's the sitch here? Shielding? Cheaper = carrying less signal? I was using the ground wire with both (and tried without, twas worse). Glad the hum is gone, the sound is duller but removing the hum makes it almost worth it. Of course now I need the color back, but not the hum. 
128x128zufan
zufan's avatar
zufan OP
563 posts
 
Hi @big_greg that's interesting. I'm using their Canare (not Belden) option for both my Tannoy & Zu (speaker cables). The former bi-wired. Anyhoots so far so good. I'll try my Pangea phono cable again tmrw to do a better A/B other than just the BJs are quieter. I'm using many of their ICs now also, so many I'll be listing my others soon. 

Hi @speedskater  also interesting, I'll re-insert the Pangea and do a proper A/B. 
big_greg
6,661 posts
 
@scott_w  I should add a "YMMV" disclaimer.  Those observations are in my system, with my ears, and my listening preferences.  I've tried a lot of different cables and generally don't notice huge differences (if any) between better quality cables, but I do notice that when using entry level cables, they can make things sound worse than they could.
zufan's avatar
zufan OP
563 posts
 
Well after re-inserting my Pangea phono cable this morn, it sounds better than the BJs and there's no hum. The only change I made was to my amp's (rebuilt Dynaco) power cord. Yesterday out of the blue it started blowing fuses, went through 2, and removed the Anticables cord with a nos western electric pc. So far so good. I wonder if the anti was adding hum? And/or doing something weird to the power, or ground? No blown fuses today, after 3 hrs of nonstop vinyl. 

ps thanks all for chiming in to help me. 
More to discover