Turntable hum problem after demagnetizing


I borrowed a friend's Benz Aesthetix demagnetizer to try out. (Oracle Delphi V, Wilson Benesch ACT 0.5, Benz LP-S, Cardas Golden Cross phono cable, Pass Labs XONO phono preamp). After using it, I now have a huge hum that wasn't there before. There also is static if I clean a record with my carbon fiber brush or touch it to the stylus. Also when I touch the tonearm the hum increases. What is going on??? Any help would be appreciated.
terrytam99
thanks for the comments so far. All connections are good. Both channels play. I'll try disconnecting the cartridge tomorrow and see what happens. I did follow instructions exactly as specified. Also, this is a Benz made demagnetizer and I'm using a Benz cartridge - seems strange that they wouldn't be compatible.
One thing I just thought about is if the unit was exposed to a cold temperature, maybe moisture condensation formed inside it, shorted it, and passed enough voltage to the coils to damage them. I don't know its full design, but this sure seems possible with its internal oscillator, in my opinion.
Also, this is a Benz made demagnetizer and I'm using a Benz cartridge ...

They are made to increase cartridge sales :-)
Also when I touch the tonearm the hum increases = Ground problem.

There also is static if I clean a record with my carbon fiber brush or touch it to the stylus = You have static build up on your carbon brush. This can eventually happen overtime.

After using it, I now have a huge hum that wasn't there before = possibly indicates a damaged cartridge which is highly unlikely.

Recommendation: Start with a new carbon brush demagnetizer. Disassemble and reassemble all connections, including possibly replacing the ground wire (make sure it didn't get pinched or something). Re-demagnetize with the Benz demagnetizer. If this doesn't work, try relocating your TT to a different AC circuit, along with AMP and speakers....if the hum changes (louder or quieter) you may have a grounding problem not related to your TT. But this is getting to be a longshot and if your house was suddenly having an issue with ground, you would have some other evidence. But I have seen this before so I wouldn't rule it out. If all this is working, borrow a different cartridge and possibly TT if you can and see if that fixes the problem....chasing ground hums beyond a TT and cartride can be very frustrating and usually requires some training and tools.....however, an electrician can determine pretty quickly if you have a ground problem.