Ground loop problem

[Jack N]

Over the last 6 months or so I've been fortunate enough to get my hands on two mint condition Denon DN-1200F studio grade CD players to replace my old CD player. As soon as I plug either one in, instant ground loop. Never having had a ground loop problem before, I read the article on ground loops and looked at some ground loop threads. After doing so, I tried plugging the AC power cord into the same outlet as the majority of the other equipment - no change. Next I tried the AC 3-prong to 2-prong adapter and "presto", no more ground loop. I removed the adapter, and the ground loop returned. So I thought I had found the source of the problem. Not wanting to rely on a single ground, and remembering that the article mentioned using an isolation transformer, I purchased a Xentec - Extreme Isolation Transformer. This thing weighs a ton, and figured it would be far more than adequate for my system. However, no matter how I integrate the transformer into the system, the ground loop remains. I’m looking for suggestions on what to try next.

 

[zumbo]

I did a search for your transformer. Can't seem to find the exact one. Can you post a link?

 

[zumbo]

I have found that your cd players are three prong. You can float the ground on the units, and then make a whole system ground somewhere. I don't know your system, but I can tell you about mine. I had to float the ground on my sub. I had solved a hum problem in my system with a cable isolater early on. I moved my system to a new location with a new audio rack, and wouldn't you know it, the hum was back. I couldn't get rid of it. I used a plug reducer, like you mentioned, on my sub. And it, along with my other equipment, is connected to my line conditioner. I made a whole system ground BTW my line conditioner and my receiver. So, now any equipment in my system that doesn't have a three prong plug(including the sub that is now a two prong) is grounded to the line conditioner through the various audio and video coax connections. Hum is gone.

 

[Jack N]

Here's a link:www.t-yuden.com/powerconditioning/detail_pc.cfm?ID=35

For some reason I'm having trouble getting the whole link to show up, so in case it doesn't work - here's the rest of the link:
t-yuden.com/powerconditioning/detail_pc.cfm?ID=35

This is all new territory for me. Can you explain "float the ground" and "whole system ground BTW my line conditioner and my receiver" please ?

 

[zumbo]

I don't know of the use for that piece of equipment.

Float the ground: Plug reducer you mentioned.(three prong to two prong)

Whole system ground: My line conditioner has a ground screw. My receiver has a ground screw. I connected the ground on the receiver to the ground on the line conditioner. My sub, with the plug reducer, is connected to the line conditioner. It is also connected to my receiver with the RCA connection. So I "floated" the third prong ground on the sub, and it is now grounded through the system. Also, this made a ground for units that only had two prong plugs. This eliminated my hum.

So, my suggestion is to "float the ground" on your players, and make a common ground BTW them and the receiver. You can just ground the chassis of the players to the receiver. Or, make a common ground BTW your receiver and a line conditioner with your whole system connected to the conditioner.

This may not solve your hum, but it worked for me.

 

[Jack N]

"BTW" ?

I want to make sure I understand what you're saying. You physically ran another grounding wire from your various pieces of equipment to a common ground. Correct?

I have far too much equipment (physically & electrically) to be plugging into a single conditioner or transformer. Electrically I max out two 20 amp circuits to power everything. Do you think the common ground thing will still work?

 

[zumbo]

BTW: Between. (or I guess it could mean by the way)

If you float the ground on the players, just connect a ground wire (12AWG or 14AWG) to the chassis of the players. Then connect that to the receiver/pre-pro ground screw. This will ground your players and possibly eliminate your hum. Oh, I'm sure you know but, unplug everything while you do this.

Can you list your equipment?

 

[Jack N]

I have way too much to list (several amps, eq's, cd's, etc).

I'll certainly try your idea. It's cheap and sounds like it might work.

 

[zumbo]

I have way too much to list (several amps, eq's, cd's, etc).

I'll certainly try your idea. It's cheap and sounds like it might work.

I can't imagine having too much to list. Where do you sit?

 

[Jack N]

Lol !!

 

[zumbo]

Lol !!

Lots of love?

 

[Jack N]

Actually, your statement about where do you sit isn't that far fetched. I literally have a good sized pile of equipment in a different room connected via long cables to the rest of the system because there simply isn't enough space in my livingroom. My friends and fiance' think I suffer from insanity, but I rather enjoy it . We're getting married this fall, and soon after we'll be starting on an addition to the house, part of which will house a dedicated home theater/sound room. Our sketches have changed several times, but as it stands right now, the room will be 24' x 20' .

 

[zumbo]

And then, after you say "I do", the room sketch will change again.

Yep. The baby room.

 

[Jack N]

BABY !!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!