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Hum and Buzz on XLR Interconnect

Recently purchased a Balanced interconnect to install between pre-amp and amp. I have the same interconnect in balanced form from my CD player to pre-amp. The new interconnect connecting to amp has now a buzz/hum. When I re-install my RCA interconnect the buzz/hum is gone. Never had this problem before. My house is older and I don't think it is grounded although I use a 3 prong hospital outlet for the power cords. Any way to eliminate or is this particular unshielded interconnect just not compatible with my amp although it works on my CD player. Thanks, Steve
7671
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
Did your amp come with plugs for the RCA inputs for when using the balanced inputs? I had the same problem till I realized I needed to put these "dummy" plugs in the RCA inputs, as soon as I did the hum disappeared; I am sure it will be the same for you.
7671 OP
163 posts
 
Thank-you Brianmgrarcom!! Once I put the plugs on to short the RCA inputs on back of amp, The Hum went away!! If I would have read the manual, I could have saved myself alot of time and hassel. To the above parties, My equipment is totally balanced and of the same manufacturer!! Thanks again to all input. Steve
ngm2001
7 posts
 
I just had the same problem, once I installed my first XLR interconnect between my SF Line-3 pre-amp and Plinius power amp. A low frequency buzz came out. I tried cheater plug in all my pre-amp, phono stage and amp plug. It did not work. My amp did not come with RCA plug. I shorted it with ordinary RCA line and did not work either. Might need to change back to RCA line and save the XLR line for the future.
ngm2001
7 posts
 
Just another thought. Any one know whether or not there is a short adapter for XLR with built-in capacitor to cure the incompatibiltiy problem.
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