VPI Classic hum


Got mine a few weeks ago. Installed it with a high-output Benz Ace H cartridge. Loved the sound but there was a hum when I turned the preamp volume past the 10 o'clock position. Later changed to a Clearaudio Concerto, the hum was quieter, but wouldn't go away no matter what I tried.

Then I read the manual closely, and it said something about using shielded interconnects. So I tried a pair of Rega Couple wires, which are made from Klotz cable, and are shielded.

And you know what, the hum just vanished! Now I'm at peace ...

Just to share with those have hum issues with the Classic. Do share your solutions.
bassraptor
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 .... :)
As Macdadtexas said, it looks like the hum related to the motor since nthe Aries motor is an outboard job. Curious though because I did not have a hum with my Classic/Maestro combo.