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Static shocks

Adriancotter

Adriancotter

Member
I have just added Wharfdale Linton Hertiage speakers to my current set-up. My old set-up which I have been running for the last 18 months without incident consisted of a Pioneer PL514 turntable hooked up to a Marantz 2265 integrated amp (earth cable from TT to earthing lug on amp) and to Wharfdale Diamond 9.1 speakers. Diamonds were bi-wired utilising both Speaker A and Speaker B outputs on the amp. No issues, All records used and new ultrasonically cleaned before using so no static issues.

So, I hook up the new Lintons to the speaker A output and bi-wire the Diamonds to the speaker B output. Need both hooked up for the moment as the final position of the Lintons requires me running cables under the floorboards, which I haven’t gotten around to yet. Currently just trailing cables across the floor to the Lintons, so when not in the humour to do that, I listen to the Diamonds.

Now, to the problem at hand, whenever I connect up the Lintons and only when I connect the Lintons, I have been receiving static shocks from the TT and on one occasion from the volume knob of the amp. TT grounding to amp is exactly as before. I am aware of the issues wearing synthetic clothes and rubber soled shows, getting up and down off the sofa etc...and that may be a factor but as I’ve said, none were an issue before and it only happens when the Lintons are connected to the system. If I ground myself off the fireplace before touching the TT, no problem.

I have given my wife a shock by touching her, it seems like their is an increase in the amount of static in the room when the Lintons are powered up.

Any theories or suggestions please.
 
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I have no idea why a change of speakers would cause a static problem. Speakers usually aren't grounded at all, except via the amplifier if the amplifier is grounded.
Are you sure the static issue isn't just coincidental to the change of speakers rather than caused by it?
 
are the Lintons sitting on carpet?
maybe your ground on the amp is not enuff?
try a wire from the ground lug to centre screw of the wall plate for the receptacle?
 
orsen said:
are the Lintons sitting on carpet?
maybe your ground on the amp is not enuff?
try a wire from the ground lug to centre screw of the wall plate for the receptacle?
Click to expand...
No, they are on a timber floor.
I will try what you’re suggesting, assuming by ‘wall plate for receptacle’, you mean the wall plate of plug socket where the amp is plugged in?
 
orsen said:
are the Lintons sitting on carpet?
maybe your ground on the amp is not enuff?
try a wire from the ground lug to centre screw of the wall plate for the receptacle?
Click to expand...
If that was the problem, why doesn't it occur with the old speakers?
 
You mentioned the speaker cables are different and being ran above floor. Are these crossing carpet or a potential source of electrical activity?
 
Adriancotter said:
To be honest, I’m living in Ireland, I would be very surprised if lack of humidity was the issue.
Click to expand...

The amount of static electricity I encounter changes daily this time of year. With windows open (or at least not running the heater), no static electricity. But on the cooler days when the heater turns on, the air dries up and I get sparks.

When I get sparks when I touch equipment, I put a pot of water on very low heat (the pot is warm to the touch). That allows enough water to evaporate to humidify and reduce static electricity. This has the side effect of letting me breath better. I do not do well with dry air.
 
Low humidity isn't a problem in Ireland, it's usually over 70%.
If low humidity was the problem, why would the problem only be evident when using one pair of speakers but not the other? :dunno:
 
rothwellaudio said:
Low humidity isn't a problem in Ireland, it's usually over 70%.
If low humidity was the problem, why would the problem only be evident when using one pair of speakers but not the other? :dunno:
Click to expand...

There is no static shock in a humidified room. It's good for the skin, sinuses, and records. I don't mean a damp moldy environment, just a good 35-40% humidity.

This could be a different problem like cap discharge or a hot chassis or something if it's not static.
 
Aerobat said:
There is no static shock in a humidified room. It's good for the skin, sinuses, and records. I don't mean a damp moldy environment, just a good 35-40% humidity.
Click to expand...
35-40% would be considered bone dry compared to what we usually have in the UK and Ireland.
Aerobat said:
This could be a different problem like cap discharge or a hot chassis or something if it's not static.
Click to expand...
A cap discharge or hot chassis that occurs when one pair of speakers is used, goes away when a different pair is used, then comes back when the first pair are returned? :dunno:
 
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