Grounding Issue - Phono Preamp

[Classymc]

Hi,

I currently am experiencing a buzzing sound with my system when no music is playing.
My set up is: Marantz Turntable --> Pro-ject Phono Preamp --> Cambridge Audio Amplifier --> Speakers.

I have tried to separate the pre amp as far away as possible from any electrical sources and have also tried to have the system connected to the same power source. There is an option for a grounding wire on the preamp, but there is no grounding area on the turntable.

Any suggestions as to how to eliminate the buzzing noise?

 

[buke9]

I believe it icould be a ground loop problem if it is fairly loud. Most new turntables don't have the ground wire as the old ones did as I guess they have three prong plugs on the power cords don't know just guessing. It might be the amp or pre amp causing the noise.

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Could you let us know the model of the turntable, it would help us in finding out if it should have a grounding wire and also where you might be able to attach one.

 

[Classymc]

Yes I can. It's a Marantz TT5005 turntable

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Yes I can. It's a Marantz TT5005 turntable

You do not need a phono pre-amp for the TT5005 but if you want to use it with one make sure the switch is in the right position.

This might help:

 

[Classymc]

e sure the switch is in the right position

Thank you for your help. I have the switch in the off position when connected to my pre amp and unfortunately still receive a buzzing sound.

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Thank you for your help. I have the switch in the off position when connected to my pre amp and unfortunately still receive a buzzing sound.

Try the switch on, and going directly into the CD or Aux in on your cambridge amp, does it still buzz?

 

[Classymc]

does it still buzz

It does go away, but doesn't having that switch on completely negate the purpose of having a separate preamp?
Connecting the turntable to a separate preamp is the same as connecting it to a phono input in an integrated amplifier as shown in the manual.

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

It does go away, but doesn't having that switch on completely negate the purpose of having a separate preamp?
Connecting the turntable to a separate preamp is the same as connecting it to a phono input in an integrated amplifier as shown in the manual.

Correct, but it seems either your amp or turntable are not properly grounded.

I live in the UK where we all have 3-prong plugs, but am not sure where you are from. Do they have ground prongs on the plugs?

 

[Classymc]

Correct, but it seems either your amp or turntable are not properly grounded.

I live in the UK where we all have 3-prong plugs, but am not sure where you are from. Do they have ground prongs on the plugs?

I am also in the UK too. How would I go about properly grounding the system to avoid this buzz?

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

I am also in the UK too. How would I go about properly grounding the system to avoid this buzz?

In that case I'm not sure, the TT5005 supposedly is internally grounded...

Maybe check with where you bought it from if you bought it new, how much did you pay? As with turntables I would always recommend the cheapest you get is something like the Project Primary:http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-18725-pr...qERX2hw9dsy35DE65Q9QMrSGWDvP7OshoCo0YQAvD_BwE

The problem with the TT5005 and similar is you cannot change the tracking force, or the cables. Fixed tracking force turntables damage your records in the long run and are not worth the £30-100 saving in my opinion.

 

[Classymc]

In that case I'm not sure, the TT5005 supposedly is internally grounded...

Maybe check with where you bought it from if you bought it new, how much did you pay? As with turntables I would always recommend the cheapest you get is something like the Project Primary:http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-18725-pr...qERX2hw9dsy35DE65Q9QMrSGWDvP7OshoCo0YQAvD_BwE

The problem with the TT5005 and similar is you cannot change the tracking force, or the cables. Fixed tracking force turntables damage your records in the long run and are not worth the £30-100 saving in my opinion.

The turntable was a gift and was bought brand new for roughly £150 or so. I understand that the tracking force over time is damaging and I'm hopefully going to grab a different turntable once my budget allows it. Would you have any suggestions on how to ground the preamp though?

 

[labrat]

Try changing the switch to ON, and remove your Pro-ject Phono Preamp.
Then connect your turntable straight into your Cambridge Audio Amplifier , to any AUX connector.
Does it make any difference?

 

[Classymc]

Try changing the switch to ON, and remove your Pro-ject Phono Preamp.
Then connect your turntable straight into your Cambridge Audio Amplifier , to any AUX connector.
Does it make any difference?

Managed to solve the problem by moving the turntable away from the amplifier. I now use the pre amp with the turntable switch set to off and sounds amazing.
Thanks for your help