If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like the experience of listening to your favorite records on a turntable.
However, there’s nothing more frustrating than plugging in your new turntable and hearing an annoying hum or buzz.
This can range from a subtle background noise to a loud and distracting sound that ruins the listening experience.
But why does this happen? In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of turntable hum and provide some tips on how to fix it.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting out, understanding the root of this issue will help you get the most out of your vinyl collection.
So, let’s dive in and explore the world of turntable hum!
Why Does My Turntable Hum
Turntable hum is a common problem that can occur when playing vinyl records. It refers to the electronic humming or buzzing noise that is heard when the amplifier is set to the input the turntable is on. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor grounding, wiring issues, and low-quality equipment.
One of the most common causes of turntable hum is poor grounding. If your turntable is not properly grounded, it can pick up electrical interference from other components in your audio system. To fix this, make sure to ground your turntable properly using a ground wire. This will help to eliminate any unwanted noise and ensure that your turntable is functioning properly.
Another common cause of turntable hum is wiring issues. If the wiring inside your audio system is not properly connected or shielded, it can cause interference and lead to humming or buzzing sounds. To fix this, try moving other wires from audio components away from each other. This will help to reduce any interference and improve the overall sound quality.
Low-quality equipment can also contribute to turntable hum. If you’re using a cheap turntable or preamp, it may not be able to handle the electrical signals from your vinyl records. To fix this, consider purchasing a stand-alone preamp that is designed specifically for use with turntables. This will help to improve the overall sound quality and reduce any unwanted noise.
Understanding Turntable Hum: What Causes It?
To better understand turntable hum, it’s important to know what causes it. One of the most common causes is a ground loop, which occurs when there is a difference in electrical potential between the turntable and other components in your audio system. This can result in a humming sound that can be quite annoying.
Another cause of turntable hum is feedback. This occurs when the sound from your speakers is picked up by your turntable’s cartridge and amplified, creating a loop that results in a humming sound. To fix this, try moving your speakers further away from your turntable or using shielded cables to reduce interference.
In some cases, turntable hum can also be caused by a faulty or damaged cartridge. If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and are still experiencing humming or buzzing sounds, it may be time to replace your cartridge.
It’s important to note that turntable hum can vary in intensity and pitch. The most common type of hum is the 60 cycle hum, which is caused by high voltage electricity bleeding into the audio channel. This can be dangerous, as it may result in an electric shock if you touch the wrong part of your audio system.
Grounding Issues: The Most Common Cause Of Turntable Hum
One of the most common causes of turntable hum is grounding issues. When a turntable is not properly grounded, it can create a ground loop that causes interference and leads to humming or buzzing sounds. This is often caused by a lack of proper grounding between the turntable and other components in your audio system.
To fix this issue, you should start by checking if your turntable has a ground wire. Most turntables come with a ground cable that needs to be connected to the grounding terminal on the back of your turntable. Once you have connected the ground wire, make sure to tighten the nut down on the cable connector.
If your turntable does not have a ground wire, you can try locating a metal screw on the turntable (usually underneath the table) and connecting a piece of speaker wire to another metal screw on the receiver. This will help create a good metal-to-metal connection between the turntable and receiver, which will eliminate any unwanted noise caused by grounding issues.
It’s also important to make sure that all of your audio components are plugged into the same power board. This helps to reduce any electrical interference that can cause humming or buzzing sounds. Additionally, check all of the cables on your turntable to ensure they are connected securely, including the RCA cables that plug into your amp/preamp, tonearm wires, and cartridge connections.
In some cases, magnetic field interference can also cause humming or buzzing sounds in particular cartridges. To troubleshoot this issue, try adjusting the positioning of your turntable as far away as possible from other equipment in your audio system. This may require a less aesthetically pleasing positioning of your turntable but can often fix the annoying turntable hum problem.
Electrical Interference: How To Identify And Fix It
Electrical interference is another common cause of turntable hum. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including ground loops, motorized devices, and failing fluorescent fixtures. Ground loops occur when there are multiple paths to ground in an electrical system, causing a flow of current that creates noise. To identify this issue, listen for a low-frequency hum or buzz that changes pitch when you touch the turntable or other components in your audio system.
To fix ground loop issues, try unplugging all the components in your audio system and plugging them back in one at a time. This can help to isolate the source of the interference and allow you to fix it. You can also use an isolation transformer or line interactive UPS to remove all the noise from your electrical system. However, these solutions can be expensive and may not be necessary for all users.
Motorized devices like hair dryers and blenders can also cause electrical interference that leads to turntable hum. If possible, avoid using these devices while listening to music or watching TV. Failing fluorescent fixtures can also create this type of interference. To fix this issue, replace the failing fixture with a new one or consider using LED lighting instead.
Mechanical Issues: Troubleshooting Turntable Parts
Mechanical issues can also contribute to turntable hum. If you’ve ruled out grounding and wiring issues, it’s worth taking a closer look at the turntable itself. One common mechanical issue that can cause humming is a magnetized metal platter. Over time, the platter can become magnetized, which can interfere with the electrical signals from the vinyl record. To troubleshoot this issue, try touching the platter to see if the humming noise gets weaker. If it does, you may need to demagnetize the platter or replace it altogether.
Another mechanical issue to consider is the tonearm ground wire. If your turntable has a tonearm ground wire, make sure it is properly connected to the ground terminal. This wire helps to reduce any electrical interference that may be picked up by the tonearm. Additionally, noise interference can often be traced back to the cartridge. Make sure that the cartridge is properly attached and connected to the tonearm, and consider looking up specific cartridge advice before making any adjustments.
If you’ve tried all of these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing turntable hum, it may be time to seek professional help or invest in higher-quality equipment. Remember that turntable hum is a common problem, but with some careful troubleshooting and attention to detail, it can be resolved.
Preventing Turntable Hum: Tips For Proper Maintenance And Setup
Proper maintenance and setup of your turntable can go a long way in preventing turntable hum. Here are some tips to help you keep your turntable functioning at its best:
1. Ensure Proper Grounding: One of the most important steps in preventing turntable hum is ensuring proper grounding. Make sure that your turntable is properly grounded using a ground wire. This will help to eliminate any unwanted noise and ensure that your turntable is functioning properly.
2. Check Your Wiring: Wiring issues can also contribute to turntable hum. Make sure that all the wiring inside your audio system is properly connected and shielded. Try moving other wires from audio components away from each other to reduce any interference and improve the overall sound quality.
3. Invest in Quality Equipment: Low-quality equipment can also contribute to turntable hum. If you’re using a cheap turntable or preamp, consider investing in a stand-alone preamp that is designed specifically for use with turntables. This will help to improve the overall sound quality and reduce any unwanted noise.
4. Positioning: The positioning of your turntable can also play a role in preventing turntable hum. Play around with the positioning of your turntable – as far away as possible from the rest of your equipment is ideal. This may require a less aesthetically pleasing positioning of your turntable, but can often fix the annoying turntable hum problem.
5. Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of your turntable is also important in preventing turntable hum. Make sure to clean your stylus regularly, as a dirty stylus can cause unwanted noise and distortion. Also, make sure to keep your turntable dust-free and lubricate it as needed to keep it functioning properly.
By following these simple tips, you can prevent turntable hum and enjoy high-quality vinyl playback without any unwanted noise or interference.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying Your Vinyl Collection Without The Hum
Vinyl playback can be a truly enjoyable experience when done right. However, the presence of turntable hum can quickly ruin the experience. To enjoy your vinyl collection without the humming noise, it’s important to take the necessary steps to eliminate any unwanted noise and interference.
Firstly, make sure to properly ground your turntable using a ground wire. This will help to eliminate any electrical interference from other components in your audio system. Additionally, try moving other wires away from your audio components to reduce any interference and improve the overall sound quality.
Investing in high-quality equipment, such as a stand-alone preamp designed specifically for use with turntables, can also help to reduce turntable hum and improve sound quality.
It’s important to remember that some records may also contribute to distortion or humming. If you notice distortion or humming on specific records, try swapping them out or cleaning them to see if it improves the sound quality.
Overall, by taking the necessary steps to properly ground your turntable, reduce interference, and invest in high-quality equipment, you can enjoy your vinyl collection without any unwanted noise or humming.
