VPI Classic hum

Macdadtexas: Is the Soundsmith Zypher a MM or MC? If MC, do you know what the voltage output is? The gain in my phono pre is 58 db, so I don't want to install a cartridge with an output of too much less than 1 mV. How much does it cost?

Also, Bassraptor and I seem to have different problems with our Classic TT. Bassraptor complains of an annoying hum with his Maestro. By contrast, I do not detect any hum with my Classic/Maestro combo. Rather, I detect an anoooying bass resonance. Very different problems with same cartridge and similar TTs. The only difference is that Bassraptor has a SS arm, where I have the stock arm.

Given that you believe the problem relates to the motor in the plinth, why does Bassraptor have the hum problem but I do not?????

The Soundsmiths are all MI high output cartridges, you can check the website (www.sound-smith.com) for the particulars. They can be used with MM phono stages. I use the Soundsmith's now, but it's not the only well sheilded cartridge. Dynavector and many other manufactures make well sheilded cartridges that guard against hum.

Call NeedleDoctor and ask them for recommendations based on well sheilded cartridges, and/or start a string on here.

BTW - I tried about 6 cartridges before I settled on the current one I have in use.

Just to recap:

This hum I get when stylus eases into groove, I've experienced from these cartridges:

Benz Gullwing (MC, 0.6mV output)
Dynavector Karat (MC, 0.3mV)
Sumiko Blue Point (MC, 2.5mV)
Clearaudio Maestro (MM, 3.6mV)

Earlier, I used these, and either didn't notice any hum that could have been present, or there was no hum to be heard. Hard to say as I can't retrance my steps to this point:

Clearaudio Concerto
Benz Ace H

I tend to lean towards Mcdadtexas' assessment that it's the motor built on the plinth.

Thinking further back, I did notice this issue with a cheap Project Expression II tt package I tried out for a bit last year, which had an Ortofon MM cartridge. That one had a motor suspended on the chassis. Prior to that, I had set up various Project systems at my place - the RM5, 6 and 9 lines - all with outboard motors, and don't recall this issue.

I've never heard aforesaid hum from any of the Rega tts I've had - 3, 5 and 7 - although they all had motors on the plinth.

With my previous Clearaudio Performance, no issue - it used, first a Maestro, then a Concerto. Outboard motor.

Also, finally, I had a NAS Interspace last year, with its own unipivot arm. Benz Ace H and Grado (green) cartridges were used at different times, no hum. Motor on plinth.

I'm curious to hear how the Aries 3, with its outboard motor, fares when we set it up this evening.

Seems a bit of a waste if you can use a tt with a just very limited range of cartridges.

Bassraptor and Macdadtexas: My particular problem may have resolved itself. Here's why.

I turned on my rig, carefully as usual lowered the stylus onto the record -- and no sound. Thought a tube blew in my phon pre, so I opened up the case and checked the tubes. A-OK!! Uh-oh. I figured now I've got phono pre problems. Gettin' ready to ditch vinyl and go back full tilt to my trustee CDP.

Then, behold, Shaazaaam! I noticed that the da*n cantilever on my Maestro disappeared into the 4th dimension. Last night it was there and today it "weren't." I asked my kids if the messed with the TT, but they said they did not.

I installed my old CA Virtuoso and I'm back in business. Phono pre is ok. No hum or resonance that I can detect. I still think the Maestro sounds better than the Viruoso --but then it should. It costs a couple of hundred bucks more.

So, at this point I'm inclined to thro' the towel in with the Clear Audio Maestro. I'll see what I can pick up, maybe one of the cartrideges that VPI sells; maybe a Soundsmith Zypher -- which I think is named after Mr. Federman's dog. I'll report back later.

Bassguy, you're right. This is too da*n hard. Never had this much grief with my old Thorens TD 160 Mk II and $79 Ortofon from back in the 70s. Please report back on how you fare with the Aries.

Ha ha, at least you found a solution ... if the Aries 3 with the Maestro is hum-free and the results tug at my heartstrings, I'm leaning towards trading in my Classic. But let's see in a few hours .... :)