Thanks for the responses...I just got a chance to do some more investigation today. Here are the results.
1. Using both line level sources (aux and tuner), the hum was still present, as loud and persistant as before.
2. I checked all connections to the cartridge and they appear and feel solid.
3. The hum is both channels, but using headphones, I realized that it is about 50% louder in one channel (left).
4. I disconnected the cartridge entirely and the hum sounded exactly the same.
5. I also found out (accidentally) that the hum was reduced in volume whenever I touched the amp. Does this imply a grounding problem?
I will take off the cover of the amp and see if the phono input jacks have been damaged in some way. Any other suggestions would help. I'd like to think that the TT is the problem (that way MAYBE I can justify buying a new one). I have heard that the 3020 has a good phono stage for its low cost and I definitely had that in mind when I bought it.
1. Using both line level sources (aux and tuner), the hum was still present, as loud and persistant as before.
2. I checked all connections to the cartridge and they appear and feel solid.
3. The hum is both channels, but using headphones, I realized that it is about 50% louder in one channel (left).
4. I disconnected the cartridge entirely and the hum sounded exactly the same.
5. I also found out (accidentally) that the hum was reduced in volume whenever I touched the amp. Does this imply a grounding problem?
I will take off the cover of the amp and see if the phono input jacks have been damaged in some way. Any other suggestions would help. I'd like to think that the TT is the problem (that way MAYBE I can justify buying a new one). I have heard that the 3020 has a good phono stage for its low cost and I definitely had that in mind when I bought it.