I'd be grateful for some guidance on the following:
In my main system, my current set-up includes an LP12 via Stageline into a NAC 282 and NAP 250. (I also have a Bluesound streamer plugged into a DAC which is powered by an XPS).
I had the 282 powered by two Hi-Caps but the long-term intention was only to have one Hi-Cap. I was only keeping the second one warm by using it until I could transfer it to a second system in another room but this required various changes in the other room so I had been putting it off.
I finally did the switch-over yesterday, removing the second Hi-Cap from the 282 and putting the blanking plug back in place. It's all I did, honest. The remaining Hi-Cap is a DR.
This morning I decided to to play some vinyl and switched to the Aux 2 input on the 282, where the LP12 / Stageline is connected. Before I'd even put a record on the turntable I started hearing some feint, intermittent pops from my speakers - like a scratch in a record, or the sound you get when a side is finished and the needle is bumping against the centre label. When I turned the volume up, the pops were quite loud and I could also hear quite a lot of background hiss.
It's conceivable that this problem has existed before but I doubt it as I'm sure I'd have noticed it. It only appears when I switch to the Aux 2 input so it's likely something to do with the LP12 / Stageline / 282 combo.
I haven't yet tried taking the Hi-Cap (the one that remains) out of the sequence so I suppose that could be an issue; but why then would it only affect the Aux 2 input?
I suspect an electrical or grounding problem.
My main system is on a dedicated spur so there should not be any interference from the rest of the house.
I have the grounding cable from the LP12 connected to the appropriate knob on the Stageline. I have never connected anything to the grounding knob on the back of the 282 (or the Nait XS that I had before it) but perhaps I should?
I admit that my cabling is a bit untidy but not desperately so. It's no better nor worse than it was before I removed the second Hi-Cap from the system.
Sorry for the rambling description but I'm stumped and wanted to be sure I'd described all possibly relevant circumstances.
Posted on: 24 April 2016 by Quads
Hi,
I have what may be a similar issue (RF?) with my 282/SuperCap/250/StageLine set, where I hear a 'tube rush' type sound (scratchiness with slight popping) when the volume control approaches the 9:00 volume setting, and thereafter. Also, a radio station, is barely perceptible with my ear close to the speaker. I brought my 282 and Stage Line to my dealer, and demonstated no noise with volume turned full out.
Interestingly, my 202 pre amp exhibits no such problem when inserted into my system!
I'd like to know if others are experiencing the same, (assuming you have an RF issue), and/or whether the 282 is particularly sensitive in this matter.
Good luck,
Steve
Posted on: 24 April 2016 by endlessnessism
I think I have isolated the problem to one of my streamers - a Simple Audio Plus. When I switch it off the pops disappear and the hiss is greatly reduced though not eliminated - it's definitely still there at higher volumes.
It's not a great hardship to switch the streamer off when I'm listening to vinyl. Nevertheless I fear there may be something deeper happening and I'd like to get to the bottom of it.
Posted on: 24 April 2016 by yeti42
Remove the 2nd Hicap from the rack and reposition the remaining one centrally on it's shelf, might make no difference but as its not involved in the system it can't be doing any good.
Replug the link plug a few times to clean the connection.
You need 1 source to provide a signal earth, either HDX or DAC, not both, should be set to chassis earth but I don't know which is best.
The aux2 had a (I assume) high gain MC phono stage attached and something is acting like an aerial, when I had my system including a superline froma 282s powered aux 2 on a steel rack I had radio pickup problems with it, the superline let me adjust its cap loading which reduced the problem. Moving the system across the room made no difference but replacing the rack with Fraim Lite eliminated it, rather unexpectedly I might add. The steel frame had been acting like a passive aerial element even when I tried earthing it.
Posted on: 28 April 2016 by endlessnessism
I promise to revert as soon as I have found a minute to try Yeti's first two solutions...
... and again when I have found the cash to try his third one.
For the time being I have "solved" the problem by switching off my Simple Audio Roomplayer (the apparent source of the pops and the worst of the hissing) whenever I play vinyl.
PS I have changed the system description in my profile. I got rid of the HDX about eighteen months ago, and recently replaced the Nait XS with a 282 + 250. (The Nait XS continues to provide good service in a secondary system).
Posted on: 29 April 2016 by Steve O
I had a similar issue after putting in a pair of the T- Link plug in WiFi extenders.
Assumed it was an earthing issue and checked TT earths. No luck, so went to the extreme of unplugging and reconnecting the whole system. Problem still there. Then a light bulb moment of "surely not", unplugged the extender and hey presto, interference gone.
Have had a spark check out the wiring and he assures me all is A1
Regards,
Steve O.
