Floating the Ground


My B&K Ref 30 is sick and not working quite right. I am awaiting the arrival of a new Ref 50 but they keep delaying the shipment.

One of the problems is a terrible hum in my speakers coming from the preamp. It doesn't matter if the ref 30 is on or off, if it is plugged into the power source (wall or conditioner) the hum immediately starts.

I think floating the ground on the Ref 30 would eliminate the noise but I don't know for sure if there is a downside to doing this until the new Ref 50 comes in.

Any power experts out there?
bundy
Floating grounds are a bad idea. Don't do it (assuming you mean disconnecting the chassis ground) since it could potentially be hazardous. Always keep chassis to earth ground (via power cord). Good advice above. Good luck!
floating grounds is a great diagnostic tool even if not done permanently it can help to point you toward the problem or is useful in the process of elimination
If your stereo is hooked to your cable TV I had the same problem. Here is a cheap fix. Go to Radio Shack get 15-1140 and 15-1253 300 ohm to 75 ohm matching transformers. Connect the 300 ohm sides together. Install the transformers at the TV cable line. This should solve your hum problem and cost you $7.00.