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Answered

Buzz / feedback when Sonos Five connected to Turntable

  • November 22, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 593 views

I have a stereo pair of Sonos Fives. They are connected to a Pro-Ject Debut EVO Carbon turntable, with an extrenal phono preamp (Pro-Ject Phono Box MM). The pre amp is grounded, and everything is set up properly (good cables connecting TT to preamp, and good RCA to 3.5 connecting preamp to the right side Sonos Five). I even upgraded the power source to the turntable, and have everything plugged into the same outlet (via a powerbar, but admittedly not a good one).

 

Nevertheless...I still get extremely loud buzzing and feedback out of the LEFT Sonos Five speaker on occasion when using the turntable. And I mean LOUD. Sounds like a distorted bass guitar at full volume. I can sometimes fix it by fiddling with the cables at the back of the preamp, but it will eventually come back. Seems to happen more often at higher volumes.

 

I’m at a loss. Nothing I try seems to work. Do I need to upgrade my cables? My phone preamp? My powerbar? Do i have to avoid using extension cords?

 

Any advice is much appreciated. I even went to the local Hi-fi store and they had no idea.

 

Best answer by AjTrek1

Buzzing could be from a number of sources such as:

Cartridge mis-alignment 

Improper cable shielding (turn table to pre-amp or pre-amp to speaker)

Pre-amp (I always recommend a pre-amp that is cartridge selectable (MC/MM) versus none)

Lack of turn table isolation (I find the installed feet are not enough for proper isolation… adding an isolation pad is always a good idea)

Power source (Power bars/strips can be problematic. I use surge protectors with RF filtering)

In your case I’d start with the cables since moving them seems to help for while. It’s probably interference caused by improper shielding or poor connection.

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2 replies

Stanley_4
  • Lead Maestro
  • 11223 replies
  • November 22, 2023

Buzzing in one channel is almost always a bad cable or connection, rarely a failed piece of hardware.

Double check you have the 3.5 plug fully inserted and any finger-grip on it isn’t hitting the port’s shroud, keeping it from fully seating.


AjTrek1
  • 6566 replies
  • Answer
  • November 22, 2023

Buzzing could be from a number of sources such as:

Cartridge mis-alignment 

Improper cable shielding (turn table to pre-amp or pre-amp to speaker)

Pre-amp (I always recommend a pre-amp that is cartridge selectable (MC/MM) versus none)

Lack of turn table isolation (I find the installed feet are not enough for proper isolation… adding an isolation pad is always a good idea)

Power source (Power bars/strips can be problematic. I use surge protectors with RF filtering)

In your case I’d start with the cables since moving them seems to help for while. It’s probably interference caused by improper shielding or poor connection.


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