Periodic noise


My system picks up noise every eight minutes. There is a kind of scratching mid-register ("ta-ra-ta-ta") sound that last for ten or fifteen seconds. It is similar to descriptions of "GSM buzz" but it happens regularly and regardless of whether our mobile phones are on or off. It happens when the analog source is selected, not other sources (or not obvious, in my system). It is very clear when the volume is mid-high, with no music playing. It is not from the cartridge and the tonearm cable, since it happens even when I disconnect them from the phono stage. When I disconnect the phono stage, however, I don't hear it. So it seems to be picked up from the phono stage itself. It happens across different phono stages. Shielding the cables with ferrite does not help much. It seems like a very strong signal.

Anyone recognizes this problem?
o_holter
The time interval between occurrence being every 8 or so minuets 
has me scratching my head.

Could be a nearby security system device, such as this one, which is described as transmitting various information every 8 minutes.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al

Are you using any Wall wart devices to extend the range of your router and adds a CAT 5 to the wall? Unplug them! while listening to music. I doubt seriously that it is your phono pre amp. Also, make sure everything is plugged into a cheap power strip except the amp plug that into the wall and listen to your system then. Sometimes having a lot of cords going to different outlets can cause noise, popping. It really sounds like a ground problem.

Matt M
Go to the electric panel and shut off each breaker one at a time. You might narrow it down using the process of elimination to what on that circuit is causing the problem!