Why does unplugging/replugging TT leads from tube phono pre-amp reset dead channel?

Lew, not sure you saw that shortly before you posted the OP indicated that he tried connecting the RCA plugs to the BAT’s XLR input connectors via adapters, with the problem nevertheless presenting itself subsequently.

Joe, no problem re not having done the measurements I suggested. I made that suggestion mostly because I thought it might provide me with some insight into how the input circuit is implemented, which in turn might have triggered further ideas.

At this point, if you haven’t already done so I would suggest that while music is playing you very gently wiggle and tug on the cables, near the turntable end as well as at the phono stage end. If that doesn’t precipitate a dropout, and given that the problem has occurred with both the RCA and XLR inputs, I would have to think that the cables and connectors are exonerated, and the culprit is something in the circuitry of the phono stage. As to specifically what that may be, I’m at a loss at this point.

Per one of my earlier suggestions, though, it might prove useful to know what the resistive loading is set to, since as I had mentioned the act of disconnecting the turntable cables changes the impedance presented to the input stage from essentially the cartridge’s impedance to whatever value the loading is set to. I realize that in order to determine that you would have to open up the phono stage. But who knows, when you do that you might spot a burned resistor, a leaking capacitor, or some other visual evidence of something that might account for the problem!

Regards,
-- Al

Al, I did see that.  Perhaps the male pins in question are just thinner than most. Thus, they are not only a misfit for the BAT but also for the adaptors.  You could have a snug ground fitting and never know whether the hot pin is also snug, just due to the nature of an RCA connector.

To the OP
You said in one post that BAT cannot replicate the issue.
Did you mean they cannot get the problem to occur on a similar unit or that they have had your actual unit in for test and could not get this peculiar problem to manifest?


Do you access to another TT to test by any chance as I appreciate the fixed leads syndrome!

Hi All...
Lewm -- the male end of the Linn RCA is split, so I gently expanded it...that was a while ago in response to advice from a dealer a few months back.  It has not helped.  Length, though, I cannot change.  I have considered upgrading the cable on the TT.  It might resolve issue. I cannot believe the adaptors also have the issue with the Linn cable.  But who knows.  Thanks.

Al -- I will try that test next time the issue presents.  Thanks.  As to opening the phono stage...that will be done over the weekend...as it has 14 zillion screws and is a major hassle to open.  

Uber -- BAT had the unit in for an upgrade (superpak) and new tubes...the issue existed prior, I believe, and they could not replicate it. (Which is why they say its my TT, not their unit. However, I have another phono preamp...and never had this issue with that unit.)  I don't have access to another TT...but that is worth pursuing.  Especially if I can get it to happen with a different TT!  Thanks for the suggestion.

A mystery.

Joe

You really don't need to upgrade the cable so much as you need to try a different pair of male RCA plugs at the ends of the cables coming from your Linn. If you have soldering skills, you can buy any pair of aftermarket male RCAs and do it yourself.  I recommend Cardas, for ease of use or WBT. (I am guessing that you have one continuous set of wires from the cartridge all the way to the phono stage, so it would be a big job to change out the wires.  If you are using a traditional pair of ICs with RCA connections at each end, then of course you need to attend to the connectors at the turntable end, as well. Or maybe the wires terminate in a DIN plug at the tonearm end.  DIN plugs can be maddening too.)