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When using a turntable with the WiiM Ultra’s built-in Phono In input, you may sometimes hear a constant humming sound. This is usually caused by grounding or wiring issues. This article will guide you how to resolve this issue.
Why Does Hum Happen?
- Weak signal – A turntable’s signal is very small, so even tiny interference can sound loud.
- No ground – Without a ground wire, the turntable easily picks up power noise.
- Ground loops – If devices are grounded through more than one path, they can form a loop and pick up hum.
Before You Begin
Firstly, check if your turntable has a preamp:
- With a built-in preamp: Connect it to the WiiM Ultra via Line In and skip the below troubleshooting steps. For details, see How to Connect a Turntable with Your WiiM Ultra.
- Without a preamp: Connect to the WiiM Ultra via Phono In and then follow the troubleshooting steps below.
Troubleshooting Steps
Follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
1. Connect the Ground Wire
Make sure to connect your turntable's ground wire to the GROUND port on the back of the WiiM Ultra using the provided phono ground adapter.
2. Avoid Ground Loops
- Plug the turntable and the WiiM Ultra into the same power strip or outlet.
- If possible, try adding a ground loop isolator on the RCA audio cable between the turntable and the WiiM Ultra.
3. Reduce External Interference
- Use the provided or other high-quality shielded RCA cables to connect the turntable to the WiiM Ultra.
- Keep signal cables (RCA) away from power cords, adapters, and routers.
4. Check Input Settings
- Open the WiiM Home app.
- Navigate to the Devices tab > Device Settings > Audio Input.
- Make sure to select the Phono In audio input source.
- Make sure to select the correct Phono Stage Input Type (MM or MC) based on the cartridge type of your turntable.
If none of the above troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, please go to More tab > Feedback in the WiiM Home app to send a support ticket. We will look into it as soon as we receive it.