How To Fix Turntable Hum

by Helen Appling | Updated: September 6, 2022

How To Fix Turntable Hum

How To Fix Turntable Hum

If you're wondering How To Fix Turntable Hum, you're in the right place. We'll look at what causes the hum and how to fix it. The hum can occur when the needle touches the record or when it's touched by the tonearm. The problem could also be caused by a cable TV system or an AC stabilizer. Unplugging the RCA audio cables can help isolate the source of the hum.

What Causes Turntable Hum?

The first step in troubleshooting any turntable hum is to isolate the source of the unwanted sound. This can be done by moving one or more cables, or by ensuring the cables are plugged all the way into the turntable. In some cases, the cause of the hum can be the phono preamp itself.

Grounding the turntable is another way to eliminate hum noises. This can help prevent the noises generated by ground loops and buzzing. The ground wire is usually located in the rear of the unit, near the RCA cables. Attach this wire to the GND screw on the rear of the receiver.

If you suspect that the grounding of your turntable is the cause, you can use a grounding wire to connect it to the earth output of the turntable. You can also connect the earth output of the turntable to the mains plug. You must note that mains voltages can be lethal, and this should be done only by a trained professional.

Another possible cause of turntable hum is a bad cartridge. Some types of cartridges have issues with magnetic field interference. If this is the case, the most effective way to fix the problem is to position the turntable away from other equipment.

Fixing Turntable Hum

There are several simple steps for fixing a hum in a turntable. The first step is to unplug any RCA audio cables from the turntable. The hum can be caused by short circuits in the cables. It can also be caused by improper grounding, which is common with cheap cables. Once you've ruled out any of these causes, you can fix the hum in your turntable.

Another easy step is to make sure that the tone arm and cartridge are plugged in properly. The tone arm wires must connect to the colored pins on the cartridge. It is important to ensure that the cables are properly grounded. Also, make sure that the phono preamp is not located near major sources of AC fields, such as power amplifiers, AC cables, and other electronics.

You can also purchase a hum-eliminating device. The Ebtech Hum-X is one example. It costs about $70, and works by interrupting the loop on the signal cable. Alternatively, you can build a hum-free device for less than ten dollars, assuming you have moderate soldering skills.

Another way to fix a hum-inducing turntable is to connect a mains power plug with an earth/ground wire. This can be connected to the earth output on the turntable. You can also connect a power plug next to the turntable's mains power plug for safety purposes. However, make sure that you have an experienced professional do this work for you.

turntable hum when needle on record

A hum coming from a turntable can be a sign of a number of issues. First, you should determine whether the hum is coming from your turntable itself, or from an external source. It is possible for a turntable hum to originate from the speakers, power amplifier, or even RCA cables. If the hum is coming from the speakers, the problem might be caused by feedback.

Another common cause of turntable hum is an unshielded cable. If this is the case, you can replace or modify the cables. However, you should be aware that some high-end cables do not come shielded. If you are using a turntable that has a built-in phono preamp, you should avoid placing it close to the AC power "conditioner" or power amplifiers.

If the hum is coming from a record, it is likely that the stylus is wearing out. A worn stylus can produce a scratchy sound, while a broken ground can produce a high-pitched hum. If the hum is coming from a record, you will need to clean it thoroughly.

Other causes of turntable hum include loose connections and short circuits. You should check the connections on your turntable, including the cartridge, RCA cables, ground wire, and power supply cable.

turntable hum when touching tonearm

A turntable hum can be a symptom of a faulty cartridge. Luckily, you don't need to purchase a new cartridge to fix the problem. To start, you need to check the ground wire of your tonearm. Make sure you connect it to the appropriate pins.

Check for loose connections and short circuits. If the hum is intermittent, it's most likely not the turntable itself. But it is important to check all connections, including the cartridge and RCA cables. Also check the connections between the headshell and the cartridge. If there are any, tighten them.

Another possible source of the hum is a cable TV system. Unplugging the RCA cables from your turntable's electronics will help isolate the source of the problem. If the hum persists, it's likely an issue with your speakers or amplifier. Turntables can produce excessive hum fields if they are not properly grounded. If your turntable is equipped with a magnetic pickup, you may experience this problem as well.

In some cases, the cause of the hum is the headshell of your phono cartridge. Often, the headshell is not grounded. In this case, try removing the metal grounding clip from the terminal marked "RG." If this does not work, try using another grounding method. It is essential to make sure that the headshell is grounded relative to the preamplifier.

turntable hum when moving cables

Sometimes, a simple solution is all you need to resolve a hum problem. The cause of this issue is usually a poorly-shielded turntable cable. You can try to replace the cables with ones that are shielded, or you can modify the cables so that they are shielded.

If you suspect that a cable is the cause of the hum, you should try to remove the cables from your turntable. It is possible that the problem lies with the speakers or the amplifier. In such a case, you need to check whether the cables are properly grounded. To do so, disconnect the cables from the speakers and the electronics. In addition, you should unplug the AC stabilizer.

Grounding the turntable is a simple way to reduce noises. It is possible to connect the system to a water pipe or a grounding object to create an earth ground. However, it is important to remember that ground loops can make the problem worse. You should always avoid creating ground loops. Ground loops occur when several components are connected in a circuit. When a ground loop is formed, it acts as a pickup coil and induces a hum voltage.

Another cause of turntable noise is improper power. The noise may be caused by other equipment, such as an amplifier with large transformers, or a wall-wart power supply.

How much hum is normal turntable?

The first thing you should do when you notice a hum coming from your turntable is to check the grounding. Ensure that the turntable is grounded using the included grounding cable. If the hum persists, check the amplifier and speakers. If the amplifier and speakers are okay, then the turntable is likely to be the culprit.

Some turntables are susceptible to hum issues due to the wiring inside the audio system. This can affect all inputs, including the turntable itself. Other possible sources of hum are the phono preamp. These can be replaced or modified to prevent the hum from coming through.

To check for the cause of the hum, flex the cables and check if they make a crackling noise. If so, the cables may be broken or have damaged braids. Broken braids will affect the inner conductor and shielding. Replace the cables if necessary and test again to see if the hum is still present.

Noise from your turntable can be caused by several causes, including motor rumble and physical problems. While these may be unavoidable, the hum is most likely not turntable-specific. If it is, you should consult with a professional to determine the cause.