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grado hum

so I just added a grado gold to my music hall 2.1. On my headphones ( through the belari preamp) it sounded great, but then I was rocking out loud style on my monitors and I heard it...the hum I thought I had lost when I upgraded to the 2.1. Anyway the hum is really only present at loud levels, but I was wondering what you folks thought: what can I do to get rid of this? Should I get a new cartridge? If so, which one?
roggae
thsalmon
348 posts
 
I don't know your budget, but I'd consider the new ZuAudio modified Denon D-103 for $399. Just make sure you phonostage has enough gain for a moving coil cartridge.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
This is one disadvantage of a 'table with an inboard motor. I recall that Grado carts are particularly prone to hum via motor interaction - a problem noted by some users of the Oracle 'tables. If this is the problem (it could also be related to grounding issues as thsalmon notes) then a new cart might help, but a table with an outboard motor will put an end to the issue for good.

Marty
roggae OP
95 posts
 
anyone have any outboard motor tables to sell/recommend?

budget guy/student

thanks so much folks!!
pryso
1,939 posts
 
Roggae, for information on shielding your motor, Google "mu metal" for information and suppliers. Here is one example -

http://www.mumetal.com/

Modifying your table should be much less expensive than buying a different cartridge, AND you will preserve the characteristics of the Grado you enjoy.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,874 posts
 
We had a Rega with a Grado that hummed; I found that neither the platter bearing nor the motor was grounded! Adding a wire was all that was needed- presto! no hum. The wire tied the ground of the motor to the platter bearing and the tone arm ground.
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