2. analog
  3. 156664-112802

Phono stage hum - Rega Aria

Hi folks, trying to solve a hum issue and would appreciate any thoughts. Rega Aria phono stage, into a PrimaLuna Dialogue tube preamp, then to Bel Canto SS mono's. 

With the tonearm NOT plugged into the phono stage, there's a hum.(especially when set to MC vs. MM)
Rega powered off, no hum while preamp at max volume. Turn the phono stage on, there's the hum...I hold the phono stage in the air, 4 feet from everything, same hum. When I hover it over my preamp, the hum gets much louder due to interference. Magnaplanar 1.7i speakers very quiet until that phono stage enters the chain.

Haven't tried a cheater plug...but have tried 2 diff interconnects (Better Cables/Silver Serpent and BJC LC1) from the phono stage to the PrimaLuna, and 2 different power cables (Furutech FP-S022N and factory cable) into a Furman Elite 15-DMi. 

Either this Rega Aria is a noisy phono stage, or I've somehow got a ground loop in there with it. It's really not bad at lower volumes, but sucks when that hum breaks the silence at louder volumes between songs/sides. 
Opinion - is this phono stage a weak link in my system? Maybe it would be fine if I find a way to eliminate that hum. 

JA Michell Gyro TT
Rega RB 808 tonearm
Ortofon Cadenza Black cart
Primaluna Dialogue Premium preamp
Rega Aria phono stage
Bel Canto M500 mono amps
Furman Elite 15-DMi power
Magnaplanar 1.7i

Better Cables/Silver Serpent interconnects
Blue Jean Cables for phono and Maggies
Furutech FP-S022N power/outlet

Cheers, thanks for any advice! 
128x128malmc02
revreed
37 posts
 
Apologies to all for the lack of response since posting. I had some unexpected travel and was ill for several days ( no COVID thankfully).


revreed
37 posts
 
@malcom2 I’d say it’s at a medium volume on up. I can hear it at below medium but really have to strain to hear it. I will be talking to the dealer in a couple of days to see what his resolution will be, including refund. (Sorry didn’t mean to hijack your thread !)

@conde64 I bought the Aria mkII based on the dealer info that it was “only” a cosmetic change. Interested to see if the MK III does in fact solve the hum issue. Fortunately my Aria is under warranty so we will see what resolution is offered up.

@dramatictenor Good info, I’d be interested in knowing which phono stages you tried so I don’t repeat the trial of same ones that don’t solve the problem.
sumadoggie's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sumadoggie
62 posts
 
New P10/Aria Mk3 combo-purchase.  MC Hum.  Going to call dealer Mon and see what they say.  
revreed
37 posts
 
@malcom2 Update but no real resolution. I tried every variant of grounding between turntable, preamp, amp and the Aria with no result. I even sent the Aria back to get checked out, of course it was fine. 
So I returned the Aria and took the big hit on restocking and shipping. Expensive lesson, but suffice it to say I won’t be buying Rega again!

My search continues maybe a Graham Slee, PS Audio, Parasound or Sutherland.
revreed
37 posts
 
Another update ...
I’ve been demoing a Graham Slee Accession with PSU 1 and CuSat50 RCA cables. There was some hum but greatly reduced from the the Rega Aria. I’d recommend participating in their loaner program if you are interested.
More to discover