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cd player - xlr output buzzing

currently using the xlr output of this cd player;
http://www.cattylink.com/page153.html

to the RCA input of this preamp;
http://www.cattylink.com/page309a.html

I am using a generic female xlr -> male rca cable. Each time I start the system up, there is buzzing and harmonics in the speaker output at low volumes. It is okay at higher volumes. I tried to see if it is the tubes, or the output, but nothing alters the problem except using the RCA output of the cd player into the RCA input of the preamp.

The only reason I don't use the RCA output is that it runs directly to another amp/system and the RCA cable is far longer than the XLR->RCA cable.

Is there any possibility that the higher vrms of the xlr output is causing the buzzing? Would it be wiser to simply buy an xlr female to xlr male adapter and then use an RCA->RCA cable in conjunction with the adapter to see if the buzzing continues?
bleoberis
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
haha we have come full circle (kind of) in that this is the opposite of what Atmasphere first posted!

The key is then whether pin 3 is left floating or not?

I just picked up some of these;
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-GXM-133-Female-Male-Adaptor/dp/B000068O4D

I know for certain that these have pin 3 tied to pin 1, thus, if the buzzing continues tonight when I test it, I'll have a cable made leaving pin 3 floating.

If that does not work, then I'll have an XLR->RCA yard sale and you are all invite. Beer is on me.
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
I suspect that Atmasphere was thinking xlr input when he wrote his post, rather than xlr output.

Heineken or Samuel Adams would be great as far as I'm concerned :)

-- Al
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
Sam Adams it is - the cherry flavoured one. We can get it here in Australia!

Just book your flights and I'll chuck a prawn on the BBQ
davehrab's avatar
davehrab
380 posts
 
I wonder if one of these XLR to RCAwould help

You should be able to find less expensive models by other Mfgers if you Google around

I also noticed that your CD player's output voltage on the XLRs is 4 Volts and that your preamps input voltage is only 215 MV ... could it be possible that you are picking up some of the noise floor from the CD player because of it's high output relative to the preamps very low input sensitivity ?????????
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
nifty device!!

hmm good question -- how can one test for noise floor interference?
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