+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 20

Thread: More mains musings....Eliminating hum from speakers and improvements going forward.

  1. #1
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

    Posts: 9,656
    I'm Gary.

    Default More mains musings....Eliminating hum from speakers and improvements going forward.

    Been looking again at my mains setup...

    Since the introduction of new 300B valves, new interconnects and a new Dac I’ve been getting a bit of buzz through my balanced mains transformer?
    Not a problem in itself as the unit is in the next room, BUT its been leaking hum into the system and through the speakers.
    Not good.

    So tightened up all earth connections and fitted a DC blocker in circuit which mostly cured it, but not completely.
    So if its not just DC on the mains, must be an earth loop somewhere?
    Tidied up all the cables behind the rack but no cigar.
    Took any switching supplies for routers whatever and powered them from a Belkin isolating mains block in the other room.
    Still hum.

    Process of elimination, aside swapping interconnects around I did this for all my main boxes
    variables were:

    - Powering directly from the hardwired balanced mains IEC lead
    - Powering straight from the wall using a kettle lead
    - Powering from balanced mains connected double socket using kettle lead.

    Long story short,
    Turns out the new 300Bs was causing it when I directly powered the amp from the balanced mains.
    Weirdly, connecting it via a double socket I’d hooked up to it and hum was gone.

    *EDIT* Less of a problem now the valves have ran in a bit, maybe initially drifting out of spec until they bedded in - still hums a bit so still an issue.

    So powering amp with seperate mains cable plugged in to the double socket is the way to go.
    HERES THE QUESTION PART:

    As both my Dac and Valve amp will be plugged into the double socket, I want to run a half metre of *best quality* mains cable from the balanced mains to the double socket.
    Using a switchless MK or Crabtree socket at the moment, and want to fit something better in there.

    1) Whats the best quality mains cable I can buy (only a half metre so cost not a factor)
    2) Without being too Foo about it, whats a recommended double 13a socket?

    I use PS Audio mains cables for amp and Dac, everything else hardwired from balanced mains so no need to go back to the joy of trying out different mains cables thankfully.

    Just a half meter of top banana mains cable and a quality double 13a socket.
    The fench solid core stuff Marco got me thats hooking up my balanced mains is great and perfect for that application, just want to maximise the power supply to dac and the amp now I’ve seen that last bit of cable before the black box DOES make a difference.


    Thanks much.
    Last edited by Gazjam; 18-03-2018 at 11:24.
    AC POWER
    Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
    AMPS
    Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
    SPEAKERS
    Wharfedale Evo 4.4
    DAC
    PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
    TURNTABLE
    Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
    PHONOSTAGE
    Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
    DIGITAL
    OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
    MUSIC PLAYBACK
    Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
    Ipad Roon Remote.
    Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
    SPEAKER CABLES
    Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On
    "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
    INTERCONNECTS
    All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables

  2. #2
    Join Date: Mar 2014

    Location: Herefordshire

    Posts: 104
    I'm Alex.

    Default

    The best cable I have come across is:https://www.fscables.com/products/lf...tml?filter_set[]=40,44

    The best sockets are the Furutech twin socket which will allow you to have a cable for each socket and will take 10mm cable if you divide the cable between the cable clamp screw.

    Just another thought, have you got a centre tapped transformer in your balanced mains setup ? I make sure that the centre tap is connected to the mains earth and is the same thickness as the two balanced output wires.

    It will firmly clamp the centre tap to 0v and will make sure your RCCB has the 0v earth to reference any fault conditions.
    Last edited by Blueflash; 18-03-2018 at 13:37. Reason: Thoughts on the BMS

  3. #3
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

    Posts: 9,656
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Thanks Alex.
    What others did you try and in what application?

    Thinking the Furutech FP-S55N might be a main contender...
    AC POWER
    Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
    AMPS
    Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
    SPEAKERS
    Wharfedale Evo 4.4
    DAC
    PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
    TURNTABLE
    Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
    PHONOSTAGE
    Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
    DIGITAL
    OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
    MUSIC PLAYBACK
    Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
    Ipad Roon Remote.
    Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
    SPEAKER CABLES
    Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On
    "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
    INTERCONNECTS
    All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables

  4. #4
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gazjam View Post
    I want to run a half metre of *best quality* mains cable from the balanced mains to the double socket.
    Have a look at the Neotech NEP-3001 III or NEP-3003 III cables. They are pretty good.
    Kevin

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  5. #5
    Join Date: Mar 2014

    Location: Herefordshire

    Posts: 104
    I'm Alex.

    Default

    I have tried the 16mm T&E cable, some armoured cable and LoRad.

    I am using whatever gives me the best shielding as I am surrounded by Wifi points on my estate. I used to be OK having a 16mm T&E cable going into a balanced mains transformer but noticed harsher treble and soundstage width reduction over time.

    It took me a while to sort the problem until I started doing tests on the Dac and found there was 5Ghz attached to power supplies and the analogue outputs.

    Also there was 2.5mV 5Ghz signal being picked up by just leaving the scope probes unconnected and resting on the workbench !!!

    I have not finished with the setup yet. I need the shielding from my meter onwards which I will do later in the year but converting all my cables to 2.5mm LoRad silver plated has restored the sound quality, but does need 1/2 hour warmup time before coming on song.

    The cable you have suggested should be OK, but I need the 100% shielding here which is why I was pleased to find FS Cables.

  6. #6
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Hi Gaz,

    I've got the perfect solution, mate. I have spare, probably just under 1m, of PCOCC-A Furukawa/Oyaide mains cable, as shown here:https://tm3connections.com//index.ph...de-eefs2-cable, which I use on all my mains leads, and indeed forms the base cable for the MCRU 'Ultimate' mains lead, shown here: https://mcru.co.uk/product/the-ultim...v=79cba1185463

    You could of course, if necessary, cut it down to 0.5m.

    This is genuine top-notch mains cable, Gaz, and due to its construction (if you read the blurb) pretty much unbeatable in the application you're intending. The cable I have is also fitted with a Rhodium version of one of these Furutech 13A plugs :https://mcru.co.uk/product/furutech-...v=79cba1185463

    The other end of the cable, however, has bare wires and would need an IEC plug fitted. However, if you want it the cable 'as is' with the Furutech 13A plug, I could do it for very good price (mates rates). Just PM me if you're interested

    In terms of quality double sockets, I'd got for one of these, as I've used them before and they're superb, not stupidly priced either: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silver-Pl....c100005.m1851

    If you want maximum SPPV, that's where it's at. They're the 'audiophile wall socket' equivalent of the Monoprice HDMI cables!

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  7. #7
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

    Posts: 9,656
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Great reply Alex, thanks.

    Interesting your using a balanced mains unit similar to myself.
    What gauge of FS cable did you use?

    Thinking 6mm x 2 is the sweetspot?
    AC POWER
    Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
    AMPS
    Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
    SPEAKERS
    Wharfedale Evo 4.4
    DAC
    PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
    TURNTABLE
    Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
    PHONOSTAGE
    Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
    DIGITAL
    OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
    MUSIC PLAYBACK
    Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
    Ipad Roon Remote.
    Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
    SPEAKER CABLES
    Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On
    "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
    INTERCONNECTS
    All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables

  8. #8
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

    Posts: 9,656
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Thanks Kev,
    I’ll take a look.
    AC POWER
    Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
    AMPS
    Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
    SPEAKERS
    Wharfedale Evo 4.4
    DAC
    PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
    TURNTABLE
    Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
    PHONOSTAGE
    Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
    DIGITAL
    OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
    MUSIC PLAYBACK
    Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
    Ipad Roon Remote.
    Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
    SPEAKER CABLES
    Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On
    "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
    INTERCONNECTS
    All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables

  9. #9
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

    Posts: 9,656
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
    Hi Gaz,

    I've got the perfect solution, mate. I have spare, probably just under 1m, of PCOCC-A Furukawa/Oyaide mains cable, as shown here:https://tm3connections.com//index.ph...de-eefs2-cable, which I use on all my mains leads, and indeed forms the base cable for the MCRU 'Ultimate' mains lead, shown here: https://mcru.co.uk/product/the-ultim...v=79cba1185463

    You could of course, if necessary, cut it down to 0.5m.

    This is genuine top-notch mains cable, Gaz, and due to its construction (if you read the blurb) pretty much unbeatable in the application you're intending. The cable I have is also fitted with a Rhodium version of one of these Furutech 13A plugs :https://mcru.co.uk/product/furutech-...v=79cba1185463

    The other end of the cable, however, has bare wires and would need an IEC plug fitted. However, if you want it the cable 'as is' with the Furutech 13A plug, I could do it for very good price (mates rates). Just PM me if you're interested

    In terms of quality double sockets, I'd got for one of these, as I've used them before and they're superb, not stupidly priced either: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silver-Pl....c100005.m1851

    If you want maximum SPPV, that's where it's at. They're the 'audiophile wall socket' equivalent of the Monoprice HDMI cables!

    Marco.
    Thanks Marco,
    you have PM mate.
    AC POWER
    Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
    AMPS
    Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
    SPEAKERS
    Wharfedale Evo 4.4
    DAC
    PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
    TURNTABLE
    Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
    PHONOSTAGE
    Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
    DIGITAL
    OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
    MUSIC PLAYBACK
    Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
    Ipad Roon Remote.
    Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
    SPEAKER CABLES
    Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On
    "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
    INTERCONNECTS
    All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables

  10. #10
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Replied to

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •