Power conditioner or cable redo to fix low-level speaker static?

[redondo2018]

Ok, below this is my main setup that all sits in one room (keeping the brands/models out because I often switch components in and out):

1: Pre-amp going into power amp, pre-amp has 2 turntables and R2R for inputs
2: Receiver with 2 turntables going into it

1 & 2 go through speaker cables to a switcher that, again through speaker cables, goes to at present one set of large Cerwin Vega speakers. Right now, the only component that is always on is the power amp (some have power on switches, some don't).

So, in all I have 8 devices that need power. When just the 1 setup power amp is on and switched to the speakers, I hear nothing coming from the speakers. However, whenever I turn either the 1 pre on, or the receiver (after I switch), I get a very low level speaker static that I can hear from say a foot away. Nothing that in anyway affects the music, but if I leave the components on, it is there.

So... lets just assume that there are no internal issues with any of the components or the speakers (I believe this to be the case), I assume then that it is either an interconnect or a power management issue or maybe the switcher or maybe it's just unavoidable lol. I use good banana plug speaker cables all of the same brand, but have a few different brands of RCA cables involved in all of this, including the stock ones that come with some of the turntables.

Right now I have some of the components plugged into one regular power strip which goes to another power strip (mainly because of cord lengths, as I have some components up high and others at floor level) that some of the other components are plugged into, and that one goes into the wall. There are obviously a LOT of cords, and I could probably do a better job of organizing them I guess... (a note here: I rent and can't do anything about the house electrical system, but I am in a separate one-family house, so not connected to anyone else, and all the power lines are underground in the neighborhood, so we rarely have any power issues).

I bought an 8-plug Furman power conditioner that I haven't opened yet (want opinions first). Should I crack that open, plug everything into that, and plug it into the wall? Should I focus on cord management?

Any thoughts appreciated!!!

 

[Hajidub]

Run them individually without the switcher and see if both setup's are quiet. I used to use an EQ in passive mode and then later a mechanical switch for multiple tape decks, used them for years. Removed everything and the result was astounding, almost equivalent to buying new gear.

 

[redondo2018]

Run them individually without the switcher and see if both setup's are quiet. I used to use an EQ in passive mode and then later a mechanical switch for multiple tape decks, used them for years. Removed everything and the result was astounding, almost equivalent to buying new gear.

yeah, I've considered that, but 1) I think the switch is pretty good https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LNOAGZQ and 2) I feel like the noise is new-ish - at least I've only heard it in the last few weeks - and I've had the switch for nearly a year and a half. I will give it another try though without the switch

 

[SmileyFaceEQ]

yeah, I've considered that, but 1) I think the switch is pretty good https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LNOAGZQ and 2) I feel like the noise is new-ish - at least I've only heard it in the last few weeks - and I've had the switch for nearly a year and a half. I will give it another try though without the switch

I agree with Hajidub. Break it down to the simplest form to test and verify the source of the noise.

Proceed thereafter.

I run a power conditioner mainly to prevent spikes nuking my setup, in addition to shutting down vampire power consumption.

Good luck. Once you hear it, it is hard to ignore.

 

[Bob in WI]

I gave up on switchers. they introduced noise & static.
BUT - I bought mine used. Maybe they were being sold because they were defective.

Agree that you have a rather tedious process of elimination ahead of you.

 

[Bratwurst7s]

If you are considering a power conditioner:
I recently did a lot of changes in my systems and decided to add a couple of power conditioners, mainly to make it easier to manage what is powered up. But we also get a lot of lightning here, so system protection was a consideration.
I have both a 2-channel system and a 9.2 system in the same rack both using my power amps and main speakers through a Dynavox Amp-S switchbox.

I bought 2 Palivens P20 EU units. Not actually very expensive, there are "higher end" models out there. But they are very flexible, with 2 banks of 4 sockets each, both individually switchable.
They also feature an LED that tells you that you have the conditioner correctly in phase in the wall supply socket. They also feature a useful display. And, large bonus(!) I got an honest no kidding improvement in sound after installing them. There are 36 apartments in this building and a lot of line noise.

Anyway, AC does have phase and perhaps one unit in your system might be out of phase with the rest. I suggest reversing the plug polarity of your gear, one unit at a time and listen for any changes.



Cheers,
James