ODD HUM/WHINE PICKED UP BY TROVATORE WHEN ARM NEAR CONTROL BOX
This has been reported by two people over the last 6 years. We
have not been able to duplicate the problem. So we can offer only the
following educated guesses:
The first thing we should determine is whether the cartridge is connected to the
headshell, also if the $$ wires are truly intact. Carefully at the cartridge
color coding to see if it matches the color of the wires.
Make sure that the headshell and arm end connector are well mated. Take it out
and re-seat it. However while if is off, rub the headshell connector end on a
piece of cloth or paper towel for good measure.
Play a record. Do both channels produce a good normal sound, albeit with this
"buzz?" If so, we can eliminate that.
This is getting into Black Magic. Try reversing the plug polarity of the
turntable, and/or preamp to see if that helped. Also try making sure that the
two products are powered from the same wall outlet or power strip.
If the power cord of your amp/preamp is two prong, you might try connecting a
wire from the preamp/amp chassis to a metal screw on the AC outlet. It
should be a screw that actually goes into the outlet's metal box.
Here is what worked for the two above mentioned customers: They connected a wire
from the control box (just under the platter) to the preamp/amplifier ground
terminal.
Before wasting your time, check to see if it will work. Obtain a long enough
wire (no need for a heavy wire, a very small gauge is much more convenient).
Strip a little insulation off of both ends.
Find a shiny metal piece the arm. Those screws at the gimbals should do. Touch
one end of the wire (no shock possible - use your fingers to hold in place) to
the that shiny metal and the other end to something similar on the box...a
toggle switch. You might also try going from box box to ground lug on the peamp/amp.
If either of these two works, we have make it permanent.
As the arm chassis is actually connected to the peamp/amp via the arm cable, it
is easiest to go from the control box chassis to the ground terminal on the
peamp/amp. A good place on the control box are the mounting screws on the
bottom. Loosen the left screw just enough to fit a small piece of bare wire
under the screw and then re tighten it. Connect the other end to your
Preamp/amp ground terminal.
Final note: You may be situated near a strong FM orTV station. These can
be a nightmare. Their proximity & power may actually compound or be the
cause. Most amplifiers cannot handle nearby high power RF. Your phono cable
can act as an antenna. If that is the case, the amplifier can sometimes detect
some of the RF and output audible sounds. The buzz may be TV picture sync.
The fix can require all the Black Magic previously mentioned, but also opening
the preamp and connecting 100 pF capacitors across the phono inputs.
If the stations are really close, even the power cord can act as
antenna and the similar capacitors may be necessary at where the power cord
comes into the amp.
Another fix could be physically positioning or moving the gear around the room!