Headphone Heights

RE: Less noisy SET headphone amps

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This Post Has Been Edited by the Author

In Reply to: RE: SET headphone amp without hum? posted by aarocks on August 07, 2016 at 11:37:53

Some amps have better power-supply filtration, better internal layout, and better internal grounding schemes than others do. These amps should generate the least amount of self-noise and should also filter out the most external noise, but I would guess that ALL components will perform better when potential ground loop problems are simply non-existent.
An easy way to eliminate (or check for) ground loops is to install two-prong "cheater plugs" on all components in your system that currently use three-prong plugs. If ground loop problems are solved this way, remove one cheater plug at a time until the offending component(s) have been identified. If humming disappears only when all components have cheater plugs, it might be best to have a certified electrician examine your house wiring so that the use of stock three-prong plugs might be resumed.
Sometimes too, simply reversing the orientation of one or more two-prong plugs (only some two-prong plugs are designed to allow for such a thing) in your system can uncover or eliminate humming issues and/or improve the quality of the sound. My old Rega CD player came with a reversible two-prong cord and in some instances it sounded slightly better with prong orientation one certain way.

Edits: 08/07/16 08/07/16

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