2. analog
  3. 1248625946

phono preamp crackling

i recently added analog to my system and i'm having a problem. my phono preamp will often emit crackling noises. this occurs even when i take the stylus off the record--the crackling will continue.

i've tried locating the preamp in different locations--above the turntable (very bad), below the turntable (better but not good) and as far from my integrated amp as i can, which isn't too far, about 1.5 feet above the amp. the impedence and gain settings on the preamp are at the recommended level for my MM cartridge.

if location of the phono preamp is the problem then i'm in trouble, as i don't have many options for where to put it.

the phono preamp is connected to my integrated amp using balanced cables. the system is: marantz 15s1 tt, ps audio gcph phono preamp and cambridge audio 840v2 integrated.

any suggestions on what to do or what the problem might be?

thanks!
tanglewood
newbee
4,775 posts
 
Noisy tubes? Phono stages usually require quality LN (low noise) tubes and crackling is one of the symptoms of noisy tubes. What kind and quality tubes do you have in the stage? How old are they?
photon46
1,088 posts
 
The GCPH preamp he has is solid state. Tubes aren' t the culprit here. I'm not sure you're telling us enough to be sure of the problem. Are you saying that if you move the phono stage different distances from the turntable, that change in distance results in a repeatable, consistent variance in the level and/or frequency of occurrence of the crackling noise? Just trying to determine if the distance/placement is really the problem here. Also, what are you using for phono interconnects? I've had really annoying noise problems from unshielded phono cables. Does moving the phono interconnect result in any noises?
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Most likely excessive gain in the system.

IMO
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,064 posts
 
He has a PS Audio phono stage that is solid state, not tube. I would suspect maybe a high level of static electricity build-up somewhere around his system. Try a product called "Anti-Shock". It is a spray that reduces static. Spray on carpet and/or rugs that are close to the equipment. You could also try a air purifier/ion device.
racamuti's avatar
racamuti
362 posts
 
Could it be static electricity? Try a zerostat gun on your albums.
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