HumZero vs Power Conditioner: Which Fix for Hum?

Quick Answer

If your hum is caused by a ground loop between components, the PS Audio HumZero is the targeted fix. A power conditioner is better when you need broader AC noise filtering, but it may not eliminate ground-loop hum.

Why the Source of the Hum Matters

Hum and buzz in an audio system usually come from one of two places: a ground loop or noise riding on the AC line. A ground loop happens when two or more components are connected to different ground potentials, creating a circulating current that shows up as a low-frequency hum. AC line noise, on the other hand, is high-frequency interference from appliances, dimmers, or the power grid itself.

The right fix depends on which problem you actually have. Using a power conditioner when you have a ground loop can leave the hum untouched, because the conditioner does not break the ground path. Conversely, a hum eliminator does not filter AC noise, so it won't help with hiss or radio-frequency interference.

What a Power Conditioner Does (and Doesn't Do)

A power conditioner cleans the AC power feeding your gear. It typically includes filters that reduce high-frequency noise and may regulate voltage. It sits between the wall outlet and your components, supplying cleaner power to everything plugged into it.

However, a power conditioner does not isolate the ground connection between components. If your hum is the result of a ground loop, the conditioner passes the ground loop right through. You may hear no change in the hum, even though the AC noise floor improves.

What a Hum Eliminator Does Differently

A hum eliminator like the PS Audio HumZero uses galvanic isolation to break the ground loop. It inserts an isolation transformer between the component and the rest of the system, removing the voltage difference that causes the hum. This is a targeted solution: it addresses the specific cause of ground-loop hum without altering the AC power itself.

The trade-off is that a hum eliminator does nothing for high-frequency AC noise. If your system also suffers from hiss or interference from other appliances, you may still need a power conditioner for that aspect.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

• Ground Loop Hum: Use a hum eliminator like HumZero. It breaks the ground loop with galvanic isolation, directly addressing the cause. If the hum disappears when you disconnect a cable, you have a ground loop.
• AC Line Noise: Use a power conditioner. It filters high-frequency noise from the wall, but it will not fix a ground loop. If the hum changes with appliance activity, it is likely AC noise.
• Budget and Scope: A hum eliminator is a low-cost, targeted fix for a single loop. A power conditioner is a larger investment that cleans power for your whole system. Start with the cheapest fix that targets your actual issue.

Product Facts

• HumZero: HumZero removes unwanted noise and prevents hums, buzzes, and ground loops in the audio system by means of galvanic isolation. This makes it a direct fix for ground-loop hum, without the need to replace your entire power setup.

  

Which Should You Choose?

Best For

• Audiophiles with a single ground-loop hum between components
• Systems where the hum is clearly caused by a ground path, not AC noise

Not For

• Those looking to clean AC power for the entire system
• Situations where the hum is actually high-frequency interference