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Phono Preamp acting as a Tuner. Help!

I am using an EAR 834P. I can easily pick up a radio station (CBC 1) which is clearly audible through my Totems. The problem is that I don't own a tuner! I've tried many different interconnects, ferrite clamps, power cords and the Original Cable jacket, but none of these seem to eliminate the weather report. Much to my delight I had a breakthrough yesterday: with my ear to the woofer, I reached over to reposition the 834P and much of the sound disappeared. I then covered as much of the top as my hand would allow and the noise was reduced even further. Does anyone use any device by VPI or whomever else manufactures magic bricks or stones that might eliminate unwelcome RFI?
sgh
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bigman
10 posts
 
Check the ground on the table
sgh OP
9 posts
 
Bigman: Thanks, but I've tried two 'tables and I've even tried grounding to my equipment stand and the wall power receptacle!
kololo87c9
12 posts
 
Check on the preamp if it is "double insulated", there will be a little box-in-box logo on the back? If there is you have no ground reference thru the power cord to chassis. To get an idea of where the "hash" is coming from use some flydoor mesh, make a cage over the pre and ground this cage only back to the wall receptacle. If this cuts the "hash" temporarily try a ground from the chassis of the pre back to the wall. If these steps get you sorted then check with the pre manufacturer about fitting a permanent ground to the chassis, just be careful about messing around with double insulated gear! Good luck!
keis
176 posts
 
I don't think its your phone preamp. Rather its your phono cartridge and the cable between it and the pre that are acting like an antenna. Move the cable around and if the distance is short coil the cable. Moving the coil so its not facing the direction of the signal should minimize the broadcast. One other thing. Disconnect the phono cable and listen to the pre with out any input. If you still hear the radio, its coming through your AC power. The most likely culpret in this scenario, assuming your system works properly, is a moving coil cartridge. Those little coils are reasonably good radio antennas. Try taking a sheet of tinfoil and wrap it around the cartridge. Don't help much if you are trying to play a record but if the broadcast goes away, there is your problem. The fix could mean rotating your turntable 90 degrees(like the cable). Good luck.
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