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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 OP
64 posts
 
Macster - No, it won't! Lol...

Lp2Cd - Interesting you should bring up the issue of balanced AC power. In fact, that's how I've been running my system for years. I've got a dedicated 32amp spur running from the mains to my room and the balanced transformer is plugged into this, from which my system is powered. So far, so good, no noise ... except from my first VPI Classic which appeared to be feeding motor hum into the cartridge via the LP surface. And I never lift grounds.
sarcher30
596 posts
 
It's just physics. The motor is too close to the cartridge. They either need to shield the motor better or move the motor farther away. Sure certain carts will be more immune to the effects but you should not have to worry about this on a product this mature.
brf
1,715 posts
 
The latest versions of the Classic tables now have the motor mounted at the rear of the table and farther away from the cartridge. Perhaps this helps with some motor/cartridge hum interaction.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Harry has designed a new rear counterweight that eliminates the headaches that are expressed on these pages. I have replaced the simple dropped counterweight that first was shipped with my VPI 3D arm, and Harry has since shipped me his new weight. It took me less than 10 minutes to get the arm squared away with greater perfection than I ever could have done with the old weight. I am pretty sure this new counterweight would work with any VPI arm - not just the 3D. Get in touch with VPI.
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
Brf - Yes, I'm think replacement of the motor in the new version of the Classic 1 will counter that issue.

Stringreen - How much does that new counterweight cost?
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