Niggling problem..

If anyone out there is using a low output MC can you help, this may be a novice question but it's been an ongoing issue for months and now I'm annoyed.

I run a DV17 with a Dino using the gain for a normal output MC and it hums, I've tried using the recommended higher gain setting and it's worse. I've repostioned the Dino away from any transformers (I also have a Dino+) and that has helped a bit but if the amp is turned up halfway there is still a clearly audible hum from the system, it's not that loud but is a fair bit louder than the other (vitually silent in comparison) inputs, clearly audible from my listening position 10 feet away. It increases with volume, at half volume between tracks on a 30 watt amp with easy speakers it's quite annoying, inky, black, slient background it isn't, its got to the point that now I'm listening for it..

I assume this isn't normal, or is it? Does a lowish cost, low output cartridge/stage system always produce more noise? Is this why so many people go high output MC? I never had these issues using a DV20H, any ideas what the hell is going on? When I turn the Dino off it goes, if I unplug the turntable from the Dino it doesn't so I assume it's the Dino. Do they do that, is it knackered, etc etc..
So are there any TT gurus that can offer me some suggestions?


Thanks.

 

Sounds like an earthing issue, when I had a Dino it was very quiet.

What arm are you using?

-- Ian

 

An Artemiz, what cart were you using?
Artemiz has had a rewire and it hums with no deck connected??

 

Does it have a separate earth lead? If it does, experiment with earthing it to the amp rather than the Dino, see if that helps.

You could have a wiring problem with the arm.

I used a DV20XL with my Dino.

-- Ian

 

Thanks, will try that, any more thoughts chaps?

 

when I had the problem it was the wiring in the arm causing an earth hum.

I bet its that.

I bet me boots!

easiest way is to borrow someone else's deck for the day and plug it into your kit. Difficult sometimes to arrange I know.

 

Look to see what gear you have arround the turntable....is there an amp underneath it that sort of thing. With it switched on does the hum get worse as you go to touch the arm ?

 

nope although it does slightly increase if I touch the cartridge. As I say the hum is there with no TT connected at all.

 

Have you grounded the dinno to the amp earth post?

If no do it if yes undo it ...hows the hum now ?

 

Try redressing the wires at the back of your kit, I have had problems based on this in the past, disconnect everything and just connect your tt and phono stage/amp. Then make sure that they don't run parallel, or just plain tinker. Keep everything as far away from mains wires as you can manage. This has cured the problem for me before now

 

OK tried all that no joy, Seems the TT can't be the issue as even if it's not connected the hum remains.

I'm going to send this Dino back for a check. Thanks for all the suggestions gents.

 

Jools - I'm running the same cart. into a Dino (without the plus P/S) and even when set to max. gain I don't get any hum. Has the Dino been doing this from the time you changed cart., or has the problem developed since. Probably an academic question given you've sent the unit off for a health check.

Hope its resolved quickly for you.

Stuart.

 

May very well be an earth loop somewhere, especially if everything you have tried hasn't worked. Getting the Dino sent off to be looked at is the best thing to have done. If it turns out there's nothing wrong with it, try substituting other bits in and out of your system to find the culprit.

I hope you get it sorted, earth loops are a bastard sometimes I've had more than my fair share of them so I know how frustrating it can be!

 

Yeah I think as its doing it when the deck is not connected it must be the Dino. I will call them today and organise a check. A bugger as I didn't want to be without music but there it is.

Can I just confirm before I do, if the deck is not connected to the Dino in any way and the system hums it must be a problem with the Dino right?

 

seems likely.

although it could be the pre.

sounds like an earthing problem though

 

earthing what?? I thought only the TT needed earthing and the rest would sort itself? Are you saying there could be an earth loop when the deck is not connected?

 

I'm pretty sure its got nothing to do with your deck as you say the hum doesn't change whether or not you have your TT connected. It could be an earth loop in ANY of your amps - if my experience with earth loops has taught me anything it is that you should never jump to conclusions, every variable is worth checking out.

 

definately..

Ive had earthing problems without even having a phono stage or tt involved...

does it dissapear when you unplug the dino?

what about if you put the dino into another input?

have you tried different interconnects?

PS
just covering bases, I think its your phono stage too

 

Well its going for a check.. I'll wait and see but I think so too.