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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
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,755 posts
 
Bleoberis and Almarg, I was in fact thinking that the **output** of the CD player is where this pin 3 to pin 1 thing might have to happen. I understand Almarg's concerns but I have yet to see any line level electronics that could be damaged by this (we do this to our stuff all the time).

Something else you might look into is lifting the ground of the CDP's power cord. It might be as simple as a ground loop.
bleoberis OP
33 posts
 
UPDATE

After all the discussion, had a custom cable made with pin 3 unconnected.

Works like magic.

Thanks for all the help ppls.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Outstanding! I'll let you know when I can come down for the Sam Adams.

-- Al :)
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