dead quiet

One thing that can cause hum is other components, especially digital components, even when they are off. I have to disconnect the power supply on my Squeezebox when I play records to avoid a slight hum. I previously had a Sony DVD-9000ES that produced tremendous hum in my phono, though only when on.
Have you tried turning off, or even unplugging, any digital gear, if you have any?

Albert--what table did you go to? as for dead quiet, it is achievable but as others have stated, very difficult to achieve if your system is not already dead quiet. I still have a little hum that is due to the way i have my equipment set up. I have found that phono wires near electric current feeds will cause hum. That is my recent problem. My phono stepup is also part of my issue. I have used a loaner stepup and eliminated my noise issue but just have not invested in this next step. Christmas is coming :)

Has the issue of speaker sensitivity been considered? There is a HUGE difference in background noise, hiss, pink noise, whatever you want to call it, between a speaker that has a sensitvity of say 86db vs 100db....

Even the very best components present some noise when connected to very sensitive speakers...

Stickman451, excellent point.

to answer some of the questions about my last post . . .
Here's what I've learned, and implemented over the past 2 years in my effort to address hum in my analog stage:
- address ground loops, one ground for the system, one wall socket, ground loop isolator on Cable TV connection. I have TV in my dual-purpose system.
- ensure good clean connections - at headshell and at interconnects (deoxit, and Cardas contact conditioner)
- Keep distance between the preamp and the TT
- Keep distance between digital sources and the TT

To further describe my setup and results:
- I use a power conditioner (Belkin PF60), one wall socket, dedicated circuit.
- I've found that even addressing these issues I get some hum audible when standing near the speakers.
- My speakers are 86dB (Mani-2) and 87db (VR4-III) efficient.
- Depending on the cartridge I use it's more or less audible, and it's always more audible than my CD player. When using the Benz Glider, it's the quietest, and I need to place my ear near the speaker (~12" away) to notice it, when the volume is set at normal listening level. My Decca Super Gold is the most noisy and the fussiest. OTOH, it's my best sounding cartridge. My Grado Ref Sonata is in between. I also have a Signet that's very quiet like the Glider, but rarely use it anymore.
- The Jolida is no more noisy than other pre's I've used, as long as I don't set the gain too high. I will probably be getting a new phono pre w/i the next 3-4 months - I just sold my Lehman Black Cube SE a few months ago.

BTW - I incorrectly stated the model of my second tonearm - it's a Clearaudio Satisfy (not emotion). I've used Rega RB300 mod'ed/cardas rewired, and Linn Ittok LVII before going to the rms I have now. Both of my arms have good shielded interconnects. The Satisfy has an upgraded, integrated IC (one run from cart to RCAs). I'm using an upgraded Roksan Artemiz IC on the Tabriz ZI arm.