Cheater Plugs On Tube Amp - Yay or Nay?

[Rilands]

Hums are a drag and VERY time consuming. I spent a lot of time and money trying to solve the problem. Good luck, I feel for you........

[djwhog]

PS what interconnects are you using? I had a similar problem, when I went with a better XLR problem solved.

[Removed]

Try plugging the Prima and Pre/Pro into the same duplex and or plug everything so it feeds from one outlet.

[esteban]

Originally Posted by djwhog

PS what interconnects are you using? I had a similar problem, when I went with a better XLR problem solved.

I tried using different interconnects. Same results. I even get the "hum" when there is nothing connected to the HT input.

[esteban]

Originally Posted by A/V Solutions

Try plugging the Prima and Pre/Pro into the same duplex and or plug everything so it feeds from one outlet.

I tried connecting everything to the PS Audio conditioner / power strip. Same results. Not only that, I did find that I prefer the sound of the Prima Luna when it is plugged in directly to the wall. The difference is not subtle, actually.

Still trying to find out the root of all of this, but, like Rilands said, this can be a neverending ordeal, specially in a condo building...

[Removed]

Is the Pre/Pro a three or two prong power cord?

[djwhog]

Maybe take a cheater plug to one device in the house at a time.

I have seen issues with relays for radon detectors, AC units etc. Maybe you can just kill an entire breaker at a time to eliminate bulk sections?

Good lucks, sucks, been there!

[esteban]

Originally Posted by A/V Solutions

Is the Pre/Pro a three or two prong power cord?

Actually, the pre/pro (Marantz SR-5005) is the only device in my set-up that has a two-prong cord. Everything else, including the source (an Oppo 95) has a three prong cord.

The Oppo and the Prima Luna are connected to Pangea and Shunyata power cords, respectively. The PS Audio conditioner is connected to the wall with yet another Pangea cord.

[esteban]

Originally Posted by djwhog

Maybe take a cheater plug to one device in the house at a time.

I have seen issues with relays for radon detectors, AC units etc. Maybe you can just kill an entire breaker at a time to eliminate bulk sections?

Good lucks, sucks, been there!

Worth trying! Hopefully sometime this weekend.

[skunark]

Originally Posted by esteban

I did unplug the rest of the equipment, including the TV (it was all connected to the PS Audio conditioner, so it was quick and easy), meaning that the only thing connected to the wall and its surroundings was the amp. I even disconnected the lamp I have in the same room. Buzzing noise was still there. To my ears, it sounded the same, intensity-wise. I do not have a cheater-plug handy, but I'll try to buy one tomorrow and experiment with that. I do know tubes are sensitive, so the amp might be picking something up from who-knows-where. What puzzles me is that last night the noise was a little on the distracting side, specially during quiet passages while watching a movie. But today, even though still there, I could barely hear it from 3 feet away. If it stays that way, and hopefully it will, it would be a non-issue. Fingers crossed.

Are there other TVs in the condo connected or a broadband modem? If this is improperly grounded it at the entrance to the building it can bleed to the other circuits. Might also consider getting an electrician to inspect your condo wiring.

I picked up a RPGC AC Groundlift from Richard Gray that solved the problem for me, it's safer than a cheater plug, but I would also still consider it a last resort.