Rega Ear vs SR-71 for HD650's and overcome EMI/RFI

[gordolindsay]

I am wondering how the SR-71 compares to the Rega when coupled with the hd650's? I have the Rega now and enjoy the sound but...Every power outlet I have in our apartment I get terrible EMI noise. I have tried different amps and they all do the same thing. I've read only good things with the SR-71 and 650 combo but I am wondering what the differences would be between the two.

I am wondering if I went to a battery powered amp, this would have to take care of it right? I also have problems with RFI on the entire west side of our apartment. Would it take care of that too? I have this great setup that I can't even use becasue of the terrible EMI/RFI going through the lines. If I move the headphone cord around it changes weather the interference is loud or less loud but it is there no matter what.

If I went to a battery powered amp do you think it would cure all my interference problems? I assume it would but I don't know. Any thoughts would be great.

 

[jamato8]

You should have excellent results using the 71 this way. It also drives the 650's with ease though if you listen to any head banger music you want to have the gain increased for more volume.

John

 

[sacd lover]

The noise or EMI may be coming from your source. Maybe you can borrow a different source and confirm where the noise is coming from.

 

[gordolindsay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacd lover The noise or EMI may be coming from your source. Maybe you can borrow a different source and confirm where the noise is coming from.

I used to use an older Denon cd player and I would get it using that also. Although to be honest it was tolerable through the cd player. But when I switched to the ap192 it became unbearable.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordolindsay I used to use an older Denon cd player and I would get it using that also. Although to be honest it was tolerable through the cd player. But when I switched to the ap192 it became unbearable.

Have you ever tried the cheap ferrite RF filters like you can get from Radioshack? They arent very expensive. A couple between the source and amp and a few on your power cords might work for you. If the noise is from your source another amp wont help. The fact your old cd player was better points a finger at your source as being both part of the problem and more susceptible to the EMI . You appear to have an EM/RFI problem in general and it effects everything ....not just your amp. Those RF blockers at a minimum should help some even if they dont completely solve the problem. I would give them a try before I invested in another amp. Digital components are usually much more susceptible to EMI/RF than an analog amp will be.... so I suspect your source may be the bigger concern.

 

[gordolindsay]

I have a few of the ferrite cores and to no avail it does not help. Now... I just tried plugging my 650's straight into my ap192 (yeah yeah) and I have absolutely no interferance. I also pulled my Denon back out and it seems to be just as bad as the ap192 now?? No matter where I move the cable it doesn't go away. So what does that leave me? I have no idea.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordolindsay I have a few of the ferrite cores and to no avail it does not help. Now... I just tried plugging my 650's straight into my ap192 (yeah yeah) and I have absolutely no interferance. I also pulled my Denon back out and it seems to be just as bad as the ap192 now?? No matter where I move the cable it doesn't go away. So what does that leave me? I have no idea.

Are you sure you have EMI and not a ground loop? Try the amps power cord with a three prong to two prong adapter.

 

[gordolindsay]

The Rega has a wall-wart for power and only uses two prongs.

I put a bunch of the ferrite cores on some of the IC's and it tamed it down to tolerable levels. It's still there but now I can't notice it if I'm listening to music at any level. If I pause it I can notice it but this is ok for now. Somedays are worse then others so we'll see how long it lasts

sacd lover: Thanks so much for your help and suggestions. I appreciate it!!

So you think that trying a battery powered amp wouldn't do anything for me? I guess right now my rig is in question as to what it will consist of and where it will be soon as a baby is on the way! So many different options and so little money

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordolindsay So you think that trying a battery powered amp wouldn't do anything for me? I guess right now my rig is in question as to what it will consist of and where it will be soon as a baby is on the way! So many different options and so little money

Actually, I think that the battery powered amp is a very good idea. But it doesnt address the non-battery items in you system. Finding a way to reduce the RF is the only way your going to get your system quiet. Battery power is one solution but some sort of shielding to block the RF would be best. Maybe there are some engineers familiar with RF who could suggest some solution. Posting and asking for help on the DYI board may result in some good suggestions. I would also give Kevin Gilmore a PM as he seems to have extensive knowledge of everything related to audio.