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Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help?

74.83.35.199

Ok, here it goes. I listen to a lot of classical on vinyl, and have always had rumble at higher volumes. I've addressed the problem at the source by stabilizing/adding feet/isolaters etc. It has helped. But it wasn't enough. So, I finally added a KAB RF1. I added it right before my subwoofer, about 2 feet of RCA interconnects. It worked very well. However, I started having a "snap" or "light pop" in my speakers shortly after its addition. The RFI was always very quiet, and rare...like 2-3 times in a day that I noticed. Never noticed during playback. Always very quiet, almost like a quiet finger snap at its loudest volume. So, I removed it. Problem gone. I like the KAB, but the RFI interference is unacceptable. Moving any equipment to a different location is not an option. Also, I have never had any RFI issues before or after the KAB. Any thoughts/ideas?

Follow Ups:

RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - owkone 13:49:53 12/12/20 (2)
Ferrite cores on input end of cables specially speaker cables is another RF solution.

https://instrumentationtools.com/why-we-use-cable-shielding-with-ferrites/
- RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - aneumayr 14:08:58 12/12/20 (1)
  So, it appears that I have solved it. I moved the KAB closer to the amp, which is farther away from the subwoofer. So, amp--2' RCA interconnect--KAB RF1--6'RCA interconnect--subwoofer. No interference yet!
  - RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - 6bq5 15:06:55 12/12/20 (0)
    Glad to hear you have ameliorated the issue!
    Happy Listening
RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - 6bq5 10:16:23 12/06/20 (3)
RFI usually comes from some sort of Radio emitter-
Nearby Broadcast tower (FM and TV), Microwave relay station and the like
Yes, RFI can also come from rotating equipment - especially at High RPM

If you have RFI affecting your system it is usually reasonable constant, if it is 'radio Frequencies' from a transmitting tower/device, or associated with the operation only of rotating equipment -

It is typically (almost always) not intermittent.

Typically to rectify it, you need good shielding, in equipment and ICs
and the use of Ferrite beads on the the input, to a Phono stage, or line stage, can also quench the interference -

If your KAB device is unshielded where the two channel's hots are connected, that could be the source of your problem -

Living in Parts of San Francisco, Sutro Tower can be a huge issue w/ RFI -
but once tamed, is a non issue-

Happy Listening
- Linky (Open in New Window)
- RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - aneumayr 15:25:55 12/06/20 (2)
  6bq5, looks like grounding the RF1 is the first step. I also have considered putting it farther away from the subwoofer, away from anything that it is close to now. Thank you!
  
  Edits: 12/06/20
  - RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - TitaniumTroy 16:28:31 12/06/20 (1)
    I had some RFI in surround speakers once, I could sounds from a local radio station. So I bought some twisted speaker wire, and problem solved.
    Another time years later, I was setting up a new system and was running a cheaper cable under the amplifier and it was picking a hum. So I used a better shielded cable and no problems after that.
    - RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - aneumayr 17:21:13 12/06/20 (0)
      TitaniumTroy, that is good to know. Cables will also be addressed if the problem isn't solved with grounding. Thank you!
RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - Davey 08:00:17 12/06/20 (1)
How is it you concluded this is an RFI issue?
Pops and snaps don't necessarily indicate an RFI problem.

Dave.
- RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - aneumayr 15:21:29 12/06/20 (0)
  Davey, I am actually not 100% sure that it is an RFI. That just seemed what was most logical and common. The RFI happens when something draws power...ie gas heat turning on, some kind of spike. I noticed it more in the middle of the night (insomnia) when there was not a lot of power being used. Thank you!
  
  Edits: 12/06/20
RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - dumpingground 07:28:21 12/06/20 (1)
2-3 RFI incidents per day sounds like you are susceptible to something happening in your nearby RF or electrical environment. Or possibly static charge build up.

Is your sub, RF1 and 2 channel equipment all plugged into the same outlet (common ground)? Is the RF1 power supply 2 prong or 3 prong? If it is powered by a 2 prong wall wart you might try swapping in a powersupply with a 3 prong ground. Is the outer shell/case of the RF1 metal? Can you try connecting a ground wire from the shell of the RF1 to a common ground with your turntable?
- RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - aneumayr 15:15:47 12/06/20 (0)
  dumpingground, yes, everything is plugged into the same outlet. The RF1 is a 2 prong. I hadn't thought of trying to ground the RF1. I will try that. Thank you for the suggestion!
  
  Edits: 12/06/20 12/06/20
RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - Story 15:22:11 12/05/20 (4)
is this the KAB device for summing the 2 channels to mono at the lowest frequencies for a single sub? I assume it's an active device so that may be the problem. Did you contact Kevin at KAB? I tried to access the web page but no luck here.
- RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - aneumayr 15:57:43 12/05/20 (3)
  Yes, this is the same KAB device. I did not try to contact Kevin yet. I have considered that. I just wanted to check here first.
  - RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - Story 17:15:44 12/05/20 (2)
    it's a question probably best answered by him, but his website is either down or maybe he retired which is unfortunate. I've bought stuff from him before and I even live close to him in NJ. He had a nice RIAA calculator on his website as well as many other things.
    
    At this point all I can think of is you might have some kind of overload condition going on, or a weird grounding interaction with the rest of your system. Some kind of RFI usually effects the whole system. It's hard to diagnose at this point and I hope you can somehow end up contacting him as he would know best how to figure it out.
    
    Anybody else chime in?
    - RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - aneumayr 17:32:25 12/05/20 (1)
      https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/rf1.htm
      
      I can access his site. Thank you for your input. It is much appreciated. The option of contacting him is definitely open. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had similar experience.
      - RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? - Story 18:03:57 12/05/20 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) help? posted by aneumayr on December 05, 2020 at 17:32:25
        
        that's funny, it's not coming up for me, gotta figure that one out

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