I have only come here seeking knowledge...


Hi. Just joined Audiogon. In my first search here I didn’t find anything close to what I was looking for.

Background:

I gave up on vinyl when I bought my first CD player back in 1985. In early 2017, I got the vinyl bug again and bought an Audio Technica AT-LP5 based on my research, (the price didn’t hurt either). Overall, I’ve been satisfied with it, however, in the last 7-10 days, I’m hearing a pretty loud hum between tracks. When the new track starts, It either disappears or is masked by the music. Sound is as good as before this hum started.

My Rig:

Tuner- NAD C 427 (2016)

CD Player- Denon DCD-600NE (2019)

Turntable- Audio Technica AT-LP5 with VM520EB/H cartridge (2017)

Phono Stage- Alpha Design Labs GT40a (2017)

Homebuilt Windows PC with Creative Labs Sound Card, and  Exact Audio Copy,

Audacity software. (2014)

Integrated amp- Cambridge Audio CXA60 (2016?)

Speakers- Wharfedale Diamond 240 (2016?) and Wharfedale Diamond 225 on the way for Winter in South Texas. Tried Monitor Audio Bronze 2s (arrived damaged,) and Q Acoustics Concept 20s (one speaker was defective.)

Insight Quest:

Being both retied, the wife raises her eyebrows whenever I bring up the subject of electronics. The newest piece I have is the CD player.

I’m putting money away for a new turntable. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I got it down to two. I’m thinking of either the Pro-Ject X1, or the Audio Technica AT-lp7. I’d really appreciate any help and/or ideas. Thanks!


badapple
I’m happy you solved what I think was a much complex problem than mine. I’m curious, was your investigation of the issue a long and arduous one?
That just goes to show that one badapple doesn't spoil the whole bunch .... 😂
*G* Like the Firesign Theatre once noted, "There's a Seeker born every minute...."  But that's beside the point...;)

Another thing to consider, since you've located in the basement...
Fluorescent lights don't necessarily have to be on the same circut to induce 'racket' into the mix.  If the ballasts are the old oil-fill type and are getting on in years, they can really ruin your day.
The new electronic ones are cheaper to run and are quiet.  And, if the lamps are 4', they can be swapped out to LED's (but ONLY for the new ballasts....the old ones can't hang with the LED's).  And are brighter, cheaper to run, and are dimable....
Just saying....
Have fun, play loud,
J