There is no ground from the transformer, at least not using the 200 series ones. I plan to do a video soon about why I build my EAR834 clone pre-amps the way I do. I get a lot of emails from folks who decide to change the layout for whatever reasons and have lots of problems with noise and hum. For example having the tubes exposed like you did is going to create noise. I'm honestly not sure your layout can be made to be quiet.

Ok that will be most interesting to see would u pls let me know when u do so.. i brought another board and thinking about rebuilding it more in line with urs

Hiya Just wanted to let you know I watched you video, and decided to follow the advice. Im at present rebuilding the amplifer in an enclosure like yours. So far ive drill the chassis mostly. Just need to do the power socket and on/off switch and the metal work will be finished. I brought a new board and will be transferring the parts from the old boards as I wasnt that happy with my original soldering… will update in the coming months of how I get on and if its ok…

If there is no hum with the turntable unplugged, there is an issue with the grounding of the turntable.

Thats what i was thinking, do u hv any surgestions

Was hopping for some pointers therefore on how to solve it, the turntable arm is grounded to the ear834 but i still get hum.

Ive checked it several times and it is, my issue is I dont know what to check to see whats causing it.

Somehow the test ground point you are using isn't grounded to the negative or something. Tubes need hundreds of volts to operate. Can you show some pictures of the inside? And you say one channel does work?

This was my first build, apart from a kit valve headphone amp. So im kinda new at this.

I was wondering this myself, ok taken sone pictures of the inside and send it shortly. Yes I get sound from one channel which seems odd