I just installed a ca. 1980's B&K ST140 to my Outlaw 1050 and noticed that when my TV is on there is a hum more noticable than before. It is coming from the TV and also from the main speakers.
I previously had a Dynaco 400 power amp and didn't notice this.
I live in a house built in the 50's w/o a true ground. Will a power conditioner help? If so any recommendations?

ground loop isolator.

You mean just lift the ground (using a three to two prong adapter) on the power cord on the amp?

A ground loop isolator is the answer. You can buy one for under $10.00 at any electronic parts store. Just attach it to the coax coming into your home and the cable going to your box. Most power conditioners already have them built in and they give you added protection, but at a price.

I own a Monster Power HTS 3600 MKII and it has worked great for me, but it also costs about $300.00-$400.00. It will clean up your power and eliminate that hum as well improve your video and audio performance. The video will be the biggest improvement, but the isolator is the budget fix that will work.

Rat,

Try a simple test first. Disconnect the cable tv (or satellite wire) from your system and see if the hum goes away. If so, it's the ground loop problem that Spatula and Curegeorg discuss. An isolator should do the trick. Another solution is to ensure that your CATV or Satellite dish are grounded to the same ground stake that your electrical service is.

If the hum doesn't go away when you disconnect the cable, then you have another problem such as a short-to-ground with your interconnects. Make sure you wiring is clean and keep power wires away from interconnects and speaker cable. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Hey Rat. I have the same amplification set up as you, the B&K 140 fed from the 1050. I don't have the hum issue you have but do love the sound from the combo!

i have a 1050 feeding a b&k vmr-654 biamping(yes) b&w 601 no hum

probably because you two dont have ground loop interference...

:-)

Hope not I wired the place!