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VPI Scoutmaster static

I´ve been having problems with static (seem to turn into loud static shocks - only in one channel - when touching anything metallic on my TT; CD player work fine, so it shouldn´t be the speakers or amp) with my VPI Scoutmaster for weeks now, but have not figured out what it really causes and what could I do about it. Bought today zerostat 3 (will arrive in couple of days I hope), I cleaned my TT platter with the help of clearaudio anti static liquid (and also surroundings of my TT), grounded the cable to preamp earth. is there´s anything else I could do? i suppose it´s the best place to ask for advice.

my vinyl system is VPI Scoutmaster (TNT feet, periphery ring and HRX center), Graham Slee Reflex Gold preamp, Sumiko Blackbird (Harmonic Tech and AU24 cables + Audio Analogue integrated amp + Dynaudio Audience 72 speakers) and all sitting on a solid oak rack (on linoleum floor).

Apologies for my English (I´m no native speaker) and if it sounds stupid, i´m just out of ideas and advice is much appreciated.
waltwalden
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Perhaps getting a humidifier will help, it can clean up the sound. Look for the German unit Venta, great method.
schipo
1,268 posts
 
Tells us something about your environment that your gear is surrounded by? I ask this because it just might not be your gear at all but "YOU". I say that because you might be causing it does your room have a wool area rug, is your room very dry with no humidity? These all can contribute to static, and by ridding yourself and cleaning your surrounding's you should see and hear an improvement? Once this is addressed then you can look at your gear. I would recommend placing large plant's if you can in your room and also a humidifier if the room is much to dry. Let us know and ai am sure we all can come up with an amswer.
scifi's avatar
scifi
67 posts
 
Walt,

I had the same problem with my VPI TT awhile back. It got so bad that static charges would occur during the playing of a record and emit a loud pop through the speakers.

I cured the problem by taping a piece of wire to the outside of the metal shaft under the TT that the platter bearing sits in. I then connected this to a grounded source. In my case it was another wire run from a cold water pipe but I suppose you could try connecting it to the grounding terminal on your preamp.

Give this a try and see if it does the trick.

Good Luck!

Scifi
waltwalden OP
17 posts
 
the environment is very plain office one, only walls and some furniture, no carpets, rugs etc. there is an air conditioner though, so the air us pretty dry indeed. scifi, can you send a pic to me of what you did to waltwalden at hotmail dot com if you still have your vpi around. i read a posting on TNT and static as well and was wondering if that would do the trick for me, but have not tried yet.

this is quite frustrating if one has invested so much into it. thanks for your contributions.
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