Turntables thump when turning off?


Why?  I have used 4 different tables and three phono stages in 2 different systems and all of them produce a pretty loud thump when turning off especially, sometimes when turning on.  I have been muting the system each time I turn off as it seems a little much to be letting such a thump reach the speakers.  Is there a cure?  lift grounds?  arrange cables? I was getting a pretty decent hum at times and I've noticed careful routing of the cable to the phono preamp makes a huge difference in this.  

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You can try a spark suppressor across the switch terminals.

0.1uF 600V film cap in series with a 250R 1 watt resistor should work. 

Turn mute on or volume all the way down, whenever you turn stuff on or off or switch inputs. If thump is not loud you will be OK. 

I have been muting the system each time I turn off

You already figured it out.

What turntable? More than one brand or type? When you say “off”, do you mean power off or just platter motor off?

You solved the concern with muting. Relax and enjoy the long weekend and listen to your stereo.