Video Asylum

Posted by jimmm (i) on November 25, 2000 at 06:36:10:

Folks

This is my first post here and I have a problem that I could use some help on.

I have recently purchased a used Audio Research PH3 phono preamplifier from a private party. I am having trouble with RF. I live in San Francisco and the RF is particularly bad because of the giant towers on top of twin peaks. The unit has been checked out and it is up to spec.

The noise goes away once the phono cable is removed. I tried a different phono cable but that did not help. My tonearm is an Audioquest PT6 with a 10x4II cartridge.

The seller said he had the same problem until he replaced the cable in his rega arm with the stock cable. (his had been rewired).

So my first question is: Has anyone else had this problem with this unit and did you fix it? Any SF PH3 owners out there with similar problems?

Second, I have, on my own, thought of two ideas to try:

1. I have ordered a cardas box so I can try other cables that maybe better shielded than the phono cables.

2. I have also ordered some versalab red rollers to see if they might work.

3. Are Rega arms less susceptible to RF and maybe it is time to upgrade the tonearm?

FYI I tried out another phono stage, a Musical Surrounding Phonomena which had a similar problem. I am currently using a PV10a for for the phone stage, and I am having no problem with that.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Jim