A low hum, buzzing sound, or electrical noise coming from your turntable can quickly ruin an otherwise great vinyl setup. What makes it especially frustrating is that the noise often disappears when the music gets louder—only to return during quiet passages.
This featured guide explains why turntables hum or buzz, how to identify the source, and what you can do to eliminate the noise safely and effectively.
What Does Turntable Hum Sound Like?
Not all noise is the same. Identifying the sound helps pinpoint the cause.
- Low 50/60 Hz hum: Grounding or power-related issue
- Buzzing or rasping noise: Interference or cable problems
- Hum that changes when you touch metal parts: Ground loop or missing ground
If the noise is present even when the turntable isn’t spinning, the issue is usually electrical—not mechanical.
1. Missing or Improper Ground Wire
This is the most common cause of turntable hum.
Why it happens:
- Turntables output very low-level signals
- Without a proper ground path, noise is amplified
Fix:
- Connect the turntable’s ground wire to the phono preamp or amplifier ground terminal
- Tighten the connection securely
If touching the tonearm or chassis reduces hum, grounding is almost certainly the issue.
2. Ground Loops Between Components
Too many ground paths can be just as problematic as none.
Symptoms:
- Hum appears only when multiple components are connected
- Noise increases when adding new gear
Solutions:
- Plug all audio components into the same power outlet or power strip
- Avoid daisy-chaining grounded devices
- Try reversing non-polarized power plugs (where safe)
Ground loops are common in systems with external phono preamps.
3. Cable Placement and Interference
Phono cables are extremely sensitive to interference.
Common culprits:
- Power cables running parallel to phono cables
- Wi-Fi routers or power adapters nearby
- Cheap or poorly shielded RCA cables
What to do:
- Separate signal cables from power cables
- Cross cables at 90 degrees if they must intersect
- Use short, well-shielded phono cables
Even small changes in cable routing can significantly reduce noise.
4. Phono Preamp Issues
The phono stage amplifies noise along with music.
Possible problems:
- Incorrect grounding inside the preamp
- Excessive gain
- Faulty power supply
Checks:
- Verify MM/MC settings match your cartridge
- Reduce gain if adjustable
- Test with another phono preamp if possible
A noisy phono stage will make any system hum.
5. Cartridge and Headshell Connections
Poor electrical contact at the cartridge can introduce noise.
Inspect:
- Loose headshell wires
- Oxidized cartridge pins
- Improperly seated headshell
Fix:
- Reseat connections carefully
- Clean contacts with contact cleaner (sparingly)
- Ensure firm but gentle connections
6. Motor or Mechanical Noise
Not all hum is electrical.
Signs of mechanical noise:
- Noise changes with platter rotation
- Audible through speakers and near the turntable
Causes:
- Aging motor
- Worn bearings
- Inadequate motor isolation
Mechanical hum often requires servicing or isolation improvements.
7. Nearby Electronics and Appliances
External devices can introduce interference.
Common offenders:
- Dimmers and fluorescent lights
- Phone chargers
- Wireless devices
Tip:
Turn off nearby electronics temporarily to identify interference sources.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
- ✔ Connect and tighten ground wire
- ✔ Plug all components into one outlet
- ✔ Reroute phono cables away from power cords
- ✔ Check cartridge and headshell connections
- ✔ Verify phono preamp settings
When Is Hum Normal?
A faint hum at very high volume with no music playing can be normal for high-gain phono systems. However, hum that’s audible at normal listening levels is not and should be addressed.
Final Thoughts
So why does your turntable hum or buzz?
In most cases, it’s due to grounding, cable routing, or interference—not a defective turntable. The good news is that these issues are usually easy to fix with careful setup and attention to detail.
A quiet background is essential to enjoying vinyl. When the noise disappears, the music finally takes center stage.