2. amps-preamps
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HUM - you can catch fish in a dingy too.

You can go buy a six-figure bass boat to catch fish, but you can catch the same fish out of a $200 rowboat.

So, I had - HAD - a hum problem in my system that was driving me nuts for about a year. It started out that it was the amplifier making the speakers hum even when the source or pre-amo was disconnected. Then I got a new preamp and the amp was quiet but the hum returned as soon as I took the preamp off mute - basically the hum jumped components, which left me drooling in rage and confusion. I switched sources, switched cables, switched ICs and speaker cables, added a power supply then plugged everything directly into the wall.... Arrrggghh!!!

Finally, in desperation I did something that I don't like for a number of reasons: I stuck a 35 cent cheater plug between the pre-amp and the power supply (which is itself still grounded) and the hum FINALLY went away. $15,000 worth of audio jewelry and it took a 35 cent piece of plastic to make it work right. Sometimes we are too smart for our own good. Just thought I'd share.
grimace
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Cheater plugs are a poorly kept secret I think. I've used them off and on for years usually on a pre-amp/amp combo keeping at least one properly grounded. I disregard the braysayers regarding risks. Interestingly yesterday I was reading a highly regarded amp designer/manufacturer's comments about how to avoid hums - use cheater on pre-amp. And he wasn't the first either.

FWIW I just went thru a hum problem. A real PITA but ultimately I found that the hum was corrected after I used a cheater on all of the sources ahead of the (integrated) amp. I think the amp may have an inherent design issue. I've never had this problem before with either a pre-amp or an integrated amp.
sandstone
358 posts
 
Just picked up your earlier thread... looks like you have all the advice you need. ...Tight lines.
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
See the comments I just posted in your original thread on this problem.

Regards,
-- Al
sandstone
358 posts
 
"I disregard the braysayers regarding risks."
Excellent! ..that would make for an interesting epitaph.

Grimace, glad you feel safe with your solution, and who knows, it may be just fine. Besides, if you do have a problem, I'm sure that Newbee will step up and pay for half the damages.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,474 posts
 
Grimace....I hate to break the news to you, but by using a cheater plug, you are ruining your now hum-free sound. I suggest you find the grounding problem and do it right.
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