VPI Classic hum

Bifwynne

To clarify, there are two different hum issues.

- The earlier one, I attributed to interconnect not being placed properly, ie, too close to amp or power cord. This is no longer an issue, as I've learnt how run the connects so they don't pick up noise.

- The newer hum issue is only when I place cartridge on record surface.

I started off with the Clearaudio Concerto, it had some issue later (it was about 3 years old), then moved to the Benz Ace ... later, in quest of something better, I upgraded to the Benz Gullwing. That's when I started hearing the hum from the record surface, which has continued with the Dynavector.

My distributor is dropping by this weekend to see what I'm not doing right, grounding, etc .... will update.

I wonder if the Classic needs to work with a high output cartridge?

works fine with HO cartridge, it just must be well shielded. The hum you are getting is from the cartridge not being shielded well enough to block the hum from the motor which is integrated into the plinth.

Tks, Macdadtexas, do you have any recommendations for such cartridges? I would have thought the ones I used would be well shielded? Is there anything I can do to the cartridges I have now to ensure they're well shielded?

I got the recommendation of the Soundsmith Cartridges from Michael Fremmer, and I LOVE mine. They make lower output models if that's a requirement, but most are higher output.

Running the Kimber Silver Streak from the junction box to the phono preamp. Nothing fancy and I'm not sure how shielded it is, but no "hum" to be bothered by. Of course you're going to hear more "hum" on quiet passages; it's nothing to do with shielding, but the nature of the medium. I have five gain settings on my preamp and the noise increases with the gain but so does the dynamic range. Once the music kicks in, it's a non-issue. If you want no noise at all during quiet passages or lead-in, switch to CDs.