Why do turntables hum

If there is hum or interference when the input your turntable is connected to when you are not playing a record, there is a logical progression of places you need to check to eliminate it. First up, you need to check the power supply to the player.

Where hum and noise can creep in is via devices plugged in close by and then how the player grounds. In terms of other devices, if you have a background hum and there are devices like phone chargers, Ethernet over mains devices and high voltage items like storage heaters or the like plugged in nearby, is there any difference achieved by unplugging them briefly.

Most turntables are pretty resistant to mains interference but as it is so simple to check, you might as well do so. Next up is the way that the turntable grounds. If you have a hum that comes and goes depending on whether you are touching any part of the player at the time, this is a prime candidate. Most wall wart style supplies are two wire electrical devices. In order for the turntable to ground correctly, there is a tacit assumption that it will be connected to a product that does have a dedicated ground- and for the most part, this is true.

In the event that this is not the case, you might find that this causes a hum. In some cases disconnecting it and leaving it that way can help but more usually see if connecting it to another point- either another audio device or something like a radiator works better. For the avoidance of all doubt- this is as far as your investigation with mains electricity should go. Mains voltages are potentially lethal and all mains wiring should be left well alone unless you are a trained professional.

Next, the pointy end. Have a look at your stylus and cartridge. If you have a cartridge where the stylus can be removed and changed, is it securely fixed to the body of the cartridge? Some turntable manufacturers do not think they are necessary so if you do not have one do not freak out. All you need is a cheap turntable ground wire like this one here I found for ten bucks, there are a ton of these on Amazon and you do not need a super expensive one for it to do its job!

Another thing that can help is making sure that everything you have is plugged into the same power strip. This will, of course, depend on your setup, but I have my turntable, preamp, and receiver all going into this power strip and it works like a charm. If you have your turntable plugged into one power strip and then your receiver into another and so on it can cause problems with a bit of interference.

I find it best to have it all in the same place. One of the first things I always suggest that people do, no matter if it trying to fix when your turntable hums at high volume like we are looking at today or any other issue is a teardown! I do not mean to get a screwdriver out and start pulling your turntable apart. I am talking about unplugging everything and then carefully plugging it all back in.

Sometimes a loose wire can cause interference and once it is properly plugged in that interference is gone. I also highly recommend that you check that your cartridge is properly connected to the tonearm too. So, there you have it. We know that getting a turntable is awesome, but sometimes you do get these unexpected issues like humming. Hopefully, one of the suggestions that we have looked at today is going to help you out.

Just remember if you get a cheaper, more basic turntable chances are at higher volumes it will have some kind of faint hum, but it should not be so bad that it ruins your listening experience. How do I troubleshoot and fix the hum in my hi-fi system that has a turntable? However, the cures are simple and will eliminate hum in many cases when the outline below is followed: Turn down volume control.

If hum persists, it is originating in the power amplifier or interconnections. Service may be required. If hum decreases as volume is turned down, proceed to next step.

Also, try reversing the AC plugs on the amplifier, the turntable, and the preamp. If hum persists, proceed to next step. Disconnect the phonograph plugs from the preamp or amplifier. If the hum persists, or is present when a tuner or tape recorder is played through the system, the problem is localized in the preamp or amplifier.

If hum disappears, reinsert the plugs, proceed to next step. Check to see that the turntable is not located next to, on top of, or underneath a power amplifier, tuner, tape recorder, or any item using a transformer or motor. A transformer or motor can create a localized hum field. If hum persists with the turntable isolated, proceed to next step.