Help with loud pop when AC kicks on - phono amp problem

@minkwelder - interesting that you are having some issues with the Quasar, too.  I thought it sounded fantastic, but it had a surprising sensitivity to noise, especially for a unit with an outboard power supply. 

@almarg - the A/C unit is outiside the apartment (its central A/C).  I think the integrated may have as much to do with the interference as the phono stage.  It seems much louder since I started using the Jolida.  The Belles Soloist had a similar (or even more severe) issue as it reacted to every light switch in the apartment.  The only other problems I've had have been with the A/C switching on.  The Furman was an entry level model - 15i, so certainly not the most powerful unit they make.  

Thanks, Scott

Scott, ok, so it probably isn't airborne RFI that is responsible.

It appears that the two outlets on the rear of the Furman Elite 15i that are indicated as being just for video equipment incorporate some ultrasonic filtering that is not provided on the other outlets, in addition to providing the filtering the other outlets provide.  So for experimental purposes, at least, it may be worthwhile trying those outlets for the Croft and the Jolida.

Minkwelder, are the light switches you referred to controlling fluorescent or compact fluorescent lighting?  Those can generate significant noise and RFI, especially (I believe) as they get older, and especially while they are in the process of turning on.  And are the switches dimmer types, which can also be significant noise generators?

Best regards,
-- Al
 

Yes, Al, the lights are fluorescent - and are older ones at that. I have been thinking of replacing them with LED, which I’m hoping will not cause the same sort of problem. The switches are newer silent type and not dimmers.

BTW, I didn’t mean to hijack the thread, but thought my experience may also shed some light on what Scott is experiencing.

I had a similar problem with the air compressor for my tonearm- the compressor is a high quality model made by Silentaire, and even the additional box supplied by the tonearm maker-Kuzma- and wired into the compressor motor connection--did not ameliorate it, nor did having the compressor connected to a dedicated line. What solved the problem -and I now use an even larger compressor with a bigger surge tank--was a large isolation transformer. Without it, you’d hear a nasty snap through the audio of the system when the compressor kicked on or off. Since you don’t necessarily have the ability to isolate the air conditioner this way, you might see if an isolation transformer will work to isolate your affected electronics--the main issues are: such transformers hum, so you need to find a place for the transformer that won’t interfere with your listening--in my case, the transformer and compressor are in what amounts to a large walk in closet that has been soundproofed; current draw of the transformer- you want one sufficient for your needs. These can be purchased as plug and play boxes, no wiring required, and you don’t necessarily need an "audiophile approved" one--I’m using a medical grade 1800 watt one from Tripplite right now, and only using one of the two motors on my compressor. Works fine, has a 15 amp breaker, four outlets and a decent cage around it. These can probably be picked up even cheaper from electrical supply houses, or used, but I’d make sure you know what you are getting. Almarg or someone else here with better electrical/electrician skills may be able to guide you better on specifics. I doubt a phono preamp (if that’s the only component affected) draws very much current.

Isolation transformer. I use four of them, and very good value they are. Plitron makes a good one - medical grade too.