tgourlie Posted October 9, 2005 Share Posted October 9, 2005 I got my hand onto a Tube preamp from Counterpoint (the SA-3.1). ONe problem... a buzz. The same buzz you would get by touching the center pin on a live RCA. First I thought the contacts may need to be cleaned. But I know that is not the problem as when the unit is unplugged from the wall, the buzz goes away. With it plugged in, it comes back. I does not matter if the preamp is on or off, as long as it is plugged in, there is a buzz. The buzz changes volume when the RCA is plugged in to the main out or the input out (tape out). Just for more info I also took that RCA into the inputs on the preamp... And the buzz is also there, but different volumes for each. Tubes in or tubes out does not matter still buzz. All of the connectors on rear of the unit share a common ground. It is a metal bar that connects all of them together including the Phono ground, then to the chassis. I am looking for any help on this. I figured I would start here. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dzapper Posted October 9, 2005 Share Posted October 9, 2005 Try a "cheater plug". It has worked for me in a similiar situation. It may not work but for a dollar you can eliminate that possibility. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgourlie Posted October 9, 2005 Author Share Posted October 9, 2005 [] SWEET!!!!!!!!!! It worked. Thanks for the advice, nice trick. My day is now brighter [H] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dzapper Posted October 9, 2005 Share Posted October 9, 2005 great!!!!!1[<)] Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lwhaples Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Wow! Cheap Trick,and it worked! Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 If this outlet is on the same circuit as the other gear, you may want to get a circuit tester to see if it is wired the same as the other outlets. They only cost a couple of dollars and will usually have L.E.D.s that light up to show you reverse wiring, no ground, etc. If it isn;t correct, the best thing to do would be to have it fixed. If you are a renter, the landlord should have it fixed. A landlord or homeonwner would want to have it fixed as it could mean 120VAC live on a chassis, etc., and be very harmful to your health. Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Watch out one member here would say you just created a potencial death trap[] If the components in your audio system happen to be plugged into different wall outlets you may try using a descent quality power strip and plug them all into the same power source. This may or may not allow you to get rid of the cheater plug? Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSharp Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Watch out one member here would say you just created a potencial death trap[] If the components in your audio system happen to be plugged into different wall outlets you may try using a descent quality power strip and plug them all into the same power source. This may or may not allow you to get rid of the cheater plug? Craig I remember that thread but it got too deep to wade into. [] In that whole multipage thing I don't remember anyone pointing out that the 3rd grounding wire on US outlets is tied to one of the other wires ( the neutral ) at the service entrance panel. IOW, it's at the same potential as one of the other pins of the outlet and is nothing but a redundant "ground"... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgourlie Posted October 10, 2005 Author Share Posted October 10, 2005 I have a monster 3600 on order. I have also found this answer at Counterpoint Electronics "new" website. Http://www.altavistaaudio.com. They also tie the buzz into that third contact. They note that only one of your units should be using the three prong cable. Because all components are grounded together by the "-" of the cables. So using more than one causes the buzz. After using the cheater plug, touched the chassis with no harm done. [li][O] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 I have a monster 3600 on order. I have also found this answer at Counterpoint Electronics "new" website. Http://www.altavistaaudio.com. They also tie the buzz into that third contact. They note that only one of your units should be using the three prong cable. Because all components are grounded together by the "-" of the cables. So using more than one causes the buzz. After using the cheater plug, touched the chassis with no harm done. [li][O] I hope you know I was kidding...... Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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