Identifying Supplied Parts

[JosephDuffy]

Right, got a new fuse (actually, a couple, just in case) and new RCA wires.
I'm still hearing the hissing when nothing is plugged in, which gets louder as the tubes warm up. This sounds like ground hum, personally. Maybe it will subside with use, but right now, I've another quick question (aren't I fun?!)
I also have a buzzing that gets louder the more I turn up the amp. I have figured out that this is from the preamp, which has a ground connection on it (not currently connected to anything). Can I connect that ground connection to anything on the S.E.X.? I don't have a ground connection on turntable so I'm not sure what to connect it to. I'm talking about the little metal part sticking out of the front as shown in this picture

I know it's not strictly S.E.X. related, but I'd appreciate any information since I can't find anything right now

[mcandmar]

I assume you have unplugged the table from the pre amp to verify it is the preamp box causing the issue and not something further up the chain?

On the S.E.X. amp the chassis plate is at earth level so you could fit a tab under one of the screws and run a wire from there to the pre-amp, but i really dont think that should be necessary and may only create a loop. The RCA cable itself should take care of that.  Its also with trying with/without the USB cable connected as that will also tie the unit to earth via the computer its plugged into. Also make sure all three devices are plugged into the same power point / plug strip.

[corndog71]

If you have multiple sources plugged into your preamp there could be grounding issues between them.  Try removing power from the source not being listened to and see if that changes anything.

[JosephDuffy]

I assume you have unplugged the table from the pre amp to verify it is the preamp box causing the issue and not something further up the chain?

On the S.E.X. amp the chassis plate is at earth level so you could fit a tab under one of the screws and run a wire from there to the pre-amp, but i really dont think that should be necessary and may only create a loop. The RCA cable itself should take care of that.  Its also with trying with/without the USB cable connected as that will also tie the unit to earth via the computer its plugged into. Also make sure all three devices are plugged into the same power point / plug strip.

I haven't tried connecting the pre amp to the amp chassis plate, but I have tried the following:

• Connecting the amp to a singular socket in the wall/the only item in the power strip
• Connecting just the pre amp to the amp (nothing connected to the pre amp), with and without the USB connected
• Connecting the turntable to the preamp to the amp
• Connecting the turntable to the amp
• Connecting my computer to the amp

All of the above seemed to introduce some level of (ground?) noise. Adding the turntable seemed to add a small amount of noise, too. What seemed the most interesting was my PC creating some level of noise. I also tested this by just doing PC to speakers that I have spare. Turning them up shows a level of noise also being added. So, I'm either:

• Crazy
• Living in a place where they have some weird electricity
• Something else I don't understand

I tried taking the amp through to the kitchen a another flat (I live in student accommodation), but nothing improved (I only tried the amp)
I probably sound crazy now, but never mind.