How do I stop the "hiss" coming from my phono pre-amp?

How's your grounding?

Quote:

Originally Posted by loghead 

Maybe I should clarify. Past a certain level, there is a "buzz" or "hiss" that remains in the background of the music. When the music goes up in dynamics, it's not as noticeable. But during a more quiet section of the song or in between tracks, it's obvious and quite annoying.

The difference between Buzz and Hiss is critical.

If it is a constant frequency hum or buzz like a bee or vuvuzela do as Uncle Eric says, check out your grounding. If you have shorting plugs (RCA plugs that are soldered tip to ground) install them and see how the phono stage sounds. If there is still hum/buzz with shorting plugs installed it may be power supply related, but this is not terribly common.

If it is a hiss like white or pink noise (you can find free download tracks on the web for an example) it is random noise. Random noise sucks and unfortunately is the more likely culprit. Random noise can be caused by a few things, but in inexpensive phono stages it is most commonly caused by op amps that are simply predisposed to be noisy, and occasionally the power supply. Swapping op amps for a different ones with lower noise ratings (see the datasheet) often helps. Depending on the phono stage the op amps may be soldered in, which would make this a difficult task. Swapping the power supply for a linear regulated one (if it is a switchmode type) or any type of regulated (if it is unregulated) occasionally helps with power supply noise, but it is the less likely cause.

What cartridge? saw it's a shure 97 so plenty of gain. Lets assume it's hum and not the wooshing thermal noise. Move the phono stage and or cartridge away from equipment transformers. If not hum then nothing to be done. Return it. My favs are the Bellari and Rega mini. Rega is quieter. If you aren't ever going to spend a grand on a cartridge you don't need to worry about MC input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodvibes 
If you aren't ever going to spend a grand on a cartridge you don't need to worry about MC input.

Really? There are plenty of low output moving coil cartridges in the sub $1000 range that take most moving magnets and make them sad to lead such a pathetic joke of an overpriced existence. At the very least they represent another flavor if we cant agree on the blanket statement that MC cartridges dominate MM's at similar price points.

Who out there regularly rolls cartridges and has not owned the Denon DL-103 at some point (if not all points). Perhaps the type-R or some other exotic variant, but I can think of MUCH MUCH worse cartridges than the DL-103 for $180 (street price)

Shelter 501mk2 comes in at less than $500 on the used market and just short of $1000 new and should not be missed if you can part with the money. It is the crown jewel of easily obtained cartridges in the sub $1000 range. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikongod 

 

Really? There are plenty of low output moving coil cartridges in the sub $1000 range that take most moving magnets and make them sad to lead such a pathetic joke of an overpriced existence. At the very least they represent another flavor if we cant agree on the blanket statement that MC cartridges dominate MM's at similar price points.

 

Who out there regularly rolls cartridges and has not owned the Denon DL-103 at some point (if not all points). Perhaps the type-R or some other exotic variant, but I can think of MUCH MUCH worse cartridges than the DL-103 for $180 (street price)

 

Shelter 501mk2 comes in at less than $500 on the used market and just short of $1000 new and should not be missed if you can part with the money. It is the crown jewel of easily obtained cartridges in the sub $1000 range. 

I suppose but a HO DV 20Xh is better and 10x5 competitive. Point is that a $200 phono stage is barely good enough for a MM and not good enough for a Low output. The point isn't to find a MM that's worse but to find one that's good. I really would just as soon have a MM like a Rega Elys as a HO MC below the DV20x. I do however agree that I overstated and that the DL103 is nice but I personally would never use a conical or buy a used cartridge. I suppose it's up to what an individual requires but it's plenty hard to find a good $200 phono stage let alone one for coils. Closest I've found to do both pretty well is the Cambridge but I prefer the 2 I mentioned previously. What good is a LO Coil without an appropriate phono stage.

say how would you compare the Shelter 501mk2 to the denon dl103?   or denon dl160?

Just to clarify...does your Turntable cable bundle (L/R RCA jacks) have a third lead with a small spade lug on the end of it  ? If so this is your ground lead from the TT proper. Make sure that is well connected at both ends (at the phono amp and the turntable).

Here is the FAQ page's explanation of such http://www.phonopreamps.com/faq.html#ground provide by the manufacturer of your phono amp. One other possible source of noise is the outlet you have the wall wart plugged into. Try another outlet if you can or make sure the entire system is running from one circuit with no other noisy devices being run from the same line (like WIFI routers, etc).

Nikongod I have to agree with you about the Shelter line up..their entry level cartridges are truly amazing...wish I could get a TT that would justify the purchase of such a beast. That being said the new 2M series cartridges from Ortofon (that replace the OM series) are pretty darn good in their own right, in particular the 2M bronze or black.

Good luck.

Peete.

.