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What is the "usual" source of hum between a turntable and phonp-preamp??

I just purchased a U-Turn Basic TT with an acrylic platter and cork mat with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. The table is plugged into a Moon Audio LP-110 phono pre-amp. Moon Audio does recommend to isolate the box away from the turntable. I have currently placed it on a 21inch formica platform stand.  The hum is most audible in the lead out groove, and between tracks.  The sound is very good, BUT I can still hear an undertone of hum when the volume is half way, that is between  55-60 steps on a volume control calibrated from 1-99.  The pre-amp is a Conrad Johnson PV-14SE which the Moon phono box is plugged into

I aware that the hum problem can be caused by the phono cable of the turntable ( which is somewhat cheap) or the connect IC which  is one of the Canare cables which cost $40.00 to $50.00. It appears well made. The   U-Turn TT rep informed me that the left channel input on the table functions as a built in ground.  The Moon box has a separate grounding screw which I am not using.   Thank you,   S.J

  

sunnyjim
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
alpha-gt,   Thank you for the advice and the TT recommendations; they are all good.    S.J.
alpha_gt
155 posts
 
You're welcome Sunnyjim, let's just say I've been there and done that. For every major upgrade I've made to my system over the years, I always hesitate, and worry about the money. But I find that the money is soon forgotten but the pleasure of ownership lasts a long time, and I wonder why I waited or hesitated.  I took the long road up to where I am now with my analog setup, and looking back I wish I had the foresight and guts to pull the trigger and jump up to where I am now in the first place. I guess that could be said at any level? But, the differences between entry level and the $1500 level is massive! No small thing! So much so that I may never jump to the next level? Perhaps I'll get a better cartridge or preamp one day? But for now I am extremely happy and got more than I ever expected. And don't forget that you'll eventually want a good RCM! 
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To alpha-gt

Makes good sense.  About three months ago, I upgraded to a separate power amp, the BAT VK-200( 100RMS).  I owned at the time a Rogue Sphinx integrated amp  whose pre-amp out I was used to connect the BAT amp  I looked a long time for an amp, when I decided to go separates again, and even longer for  a pre-amp.

I wanted to find a BAT pre-amp, but settled on a Conrad Johnson PV-14LSE.  They are a terrific combo and exceed the sound the Rogue IA by at least 30 percent ( if that statistics means anything) However, I am hearing more music from my CD's with almost every thing better from bottom to top.   The Rogue integrated was very good unit with an excellent phono stage. But, the BAT/ CJ combo are in another league of sound quality and presentation....   Thanks, SJ

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