Troubleshooting - Octave PHONO MODULE Owner's Manual

 Hum and crackling
Hum in an audio system is often caused by several system components being grounded individ-
ually. It is particularly common with tuners, VCRs or satellite receivers, where the grounded an-
tenna cables cause a hum loop with other grounded units. Power amplifiers are normally
grounded. Removing the ground on your mains plugs is not a solution. You can isolate the an-
tenna ground connection with a special signal isolator. Such a device has no adverse affect on
the sound or picture quality of tuners or TVs.
The Phono Module is not grounded and therefore cannot cause ground loops.
 Clicks and pops
Older fridges and 12 V halogen lamps can cause cracking through the loudspeakers when they
are switched on and off.
Solution: The only solution is to use a single power socket board for your entire system and to
use a different power outlet in your listening room.
 Channels are not balanced
Check that the RCA plugs are a tight fit. Bend the outer ground contact inwards slightly if neces-
sary. Sometimes the internal pin in a RCA plug may not be a tight enough fit, in which case you
should change either the interconnect or the socket.
1. Damaged cables and poorly fitting RCA plugs can create resistance in the signal path,
enough to reduce the output level of one channel.
Solution: Try new cables or clean plugs and sockets with isopropyl alcohol. You could also
try cleaning or contact fluid.
2. A faulty tube can cause a drop in output in one channel and generate distortion. Although a
rare occurrence, the heater inside the particular tube may be the cause of the problem.
Solution: Replace the tube.
 Increased Noise on one channel
Noise that varies in level is a sign of a faulty or worn driver tube.
Solution: Replace the worn tube.

7. TROUBLESHOOTING

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