I've had my VPI Scout w/ JMW-9 Tonearm for 2 years. Prior to 2 weeks ago I ran the Scout to a Pioneer Receiver through a Clearaudio Nano phono preamp w/ no noticeable 'hum' or 'buzz'. Within the last 2 weeks I've purchased a Rotel RB-1552 Amplifier and the RC-1580 Pre Amp to set up a 2 channel system w/ the Scout as my main source. Both Rotel products and the Scout were purchased brand new. My power source is a Monster Reference Power Station, my cartridge is a Soundsmith SMMC2, and my interconnects are MIT Terminator 6. I am running the Scout directly to the RC-1580 phono stage (the Clearaudio Nano is not present in this set up). When I turn on the system and activate the phono stage I get a loud 'buzz' at low to moderate volume. It seemed like a grounding issue so in addition to running a ground from the Scout RCA box to the pre amp I have run a ground from the plinth to the RCA box as well. I have also tried running soft bare copper wires around the unshielded wire leading to the Lemo connector and grounding it to the Scout RCA box (Soundsmith reccomendation). Other symptoms include a 'pop' when I touch the back of the tonearm, static shock when I touch the other components in the system, and an increase in 'hum' and 'buzz' when I touch anywhere on the tonearm. Any thoughts?
VPI Scout 'Buzz'
Posted: January 10, 2012 - 3:06pm
buzz
Posted: January 10, 2012 - 4:47pm
You may have a ground loop problem. Can you reverse the plug on your preamp or TT? Reverse just one.
The static shock, pop and increased hum when touching the arm say ground loop to me.
Buzz
Posted: January 10, 2012 - 4:55pm
By reverse the plug do you mean the AC plug or one of the interconnects?
![]()
| Loudspeakers Amplification Digital Sources | Analog Sources Accessories Featured | Music Columns Features | Show Reports | Show Reports |
Recommended Components Blogs Latest News Community |
Shop Resources Subscriptions |

