Need help curing ground loop

Tweakers' Asylum

Tweaks for systems, rooms and Do It Yourself (DIY) help. FAQ.

I've got a frustrating ground loop problem that I can't seem to get corrected. I'm thinking it may come down to replacing the receiver. I get what sounds like an audio ground loop that goes away when I unplug the video cables from the DVD player, TV, and VCR. Each seems to generate it's own hum, so they can (and do) exist separately, but they seem to add together when more than one of those components is powered on. Seems like the hum is a fairly consistent level regardless of which one of the components is on, or which two if more than one (although louder with more equipment powered on). I've put in a Tripp-Lite power conditioner to try to eliminate the possibility of a problem with power coming in, but that didn't make any difference at all. I've also unhooked the cable TV cable, to see if it's a ground loop there, but still no change. I've also replaced the cables between the components and the receiver, but no differences were noted there either. I haven't tried the star ground that has been suggested in other posts, but I can't think of much else I haven't given a shot to. Should I give the star ground a shot or just give up and head to the store for a new "toy." (wife might need a little coaxing, though...) It might help to know that this problem also existed with the Sony STR-AV1070 that was in place before the Optimus STA-3160 I put back in it's place. I swapped out the Sony because it had other problems as well, before anyone gets any ideas about the Optimus (it was a spare just laying around, and it's better than nothing). I have entered my system here, if anyone wishes to look for ideas there. One other thing I hadn't yet mentioned, there are several outboard amps in this system. One MTX Soundcraftsmen S-800, one Adcom GFA-545, and one Genesis 300 W mono sub amp. I have noticed the hum with and without the amps in the system, so I don't think the problem is between the receiver and the amps. I have also tried simplifying the system and removing anything not needed, and the only thing that's consistent is that it seems to follow the components with a video cable...but I can't see them all as being a problem. TIA for all the assistance!
--Mike

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Kimber Kable

Topic - Need help curing ground loop - KA9RQW 22:01:57 01/24/04 (6)

Get a known good ground, attach a wire - Triodeuser 17:28:31 01/25/04 (0)

Re: Need help curing ground loop - uncajuan 22:36:46 01/24/04 (4)

Re: Need help curing ground loop - KA9RQW 07:55:22 01/25/04 (3)

Re: Need help curing ground loop - Dust Cover 08:51:31 01/25/04 (2)

Re: Need help curing ground loop - Fred S 06:04:47 02/02/04 (1)

Do not use cheaters. - Bill Fitzmaurice 06:18:50 02/03/04 (0)

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