Topic: Buzzing noise in speakers

[terrapinj]

a few weeks ago i started noticing a buzzing sound in my speakers - it would come on and off periodically but now seems to not go away and is getting louder. only change in the system was adding a squeezebox duet but the noise started before i got it and persists even if a different input is chosen.

i can prob capture the sound with no music playing but was curious if anyone had any ideas in the mean time

arcam A75 > generic speaker cable > VR-1

[sparkey]

Low end UPS's from the computer store do a good job of cleaning up A/C too

do you have, or, have access to an ac power filter?

[terrapinj]

would dirty AC just suddenly be an issue though?

that was my first thought but i ran this setup for several months with no previous issues

[BC]

a few weeks ago i started noticing a buzzing sound in my speakers - it would come on and off periodically but now seems to not go away and is getting louder.

this seems to rule out AC given that the frequency of occurrence is variable.

[BC]

Can you try your receiver with a different set of speakers?

Is there an Arcam dealer near you? You could test the unit at their store 1) with different speakers and 2) with AC conditioning to narrow down the possible causes.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

do you have, or, have access to an ac power filter?

Can anyone recommend an AC Filter that I can hardwire into my dedicated circuit???  I'd like to run:  Circuit box > crawl space power cable > Filter (mounted in Crawl Space inside protective box) > wall space power cable > dedicated Elec outlet for AV set-up.  I have a AC Filter/Surge Protector, but its a cheapo AR unit that I got several years ago. 

My dad told me that Surge Protectors go bad after a couple of years because they are constantly clipping off surges, etc...  So I'm betting that my cheapo is shot... 

Any recommendations???  I've search through here before, but to no avail...

Thanks,

Terry

[Gutbucket]

Could be lots of things, a power issue, a ground problem (bad connection), or something failing.

Some basic trouble shooting:

Is the buzz coming from only one speaker?
   If yes, does it move with the speaker when you swop them?
   If yes, the problem is with the speaker.
   If no the problem is upstream.

No, the buzz comes from both speakers..
Turn off all source components and unplug them from the inputs to the amp. Sill buzzin'?
   If yes, then the problem is probably with the amp or your power.
       Try a different power circuit, a power filter, etc.
   If no, hook up one source component to the amp.  
       A battery powered source (ipod, recorder, etc) would be ideal. Buzz?
       If no attach and power up your other source components one at a time,
       testing each to see which introduces the buzz.  Check all your connections.

Also might check to see if the buzz changes when you move the cables or components around (RFI interference) you might find what ever is causing the problem, a particular position or cable routing that effectively eliminates the noise, try different cables that are more immune, etc.

Terry, the varistors in inexpensive surge protectors can degrade and stop offering effective over-voltage protection over time but won't filter out noise in any case.  Unfortunately I don't know enough about AC-line filters to recommend a one for your application.

[terrapinj]

wasnt able to isolate it on my own - was about to borrow a power conditioner from Mac but the other day it just went away and seems to be fine now

odd

[ianstone]

wasnt able to isolate it on my own - was about to borrow a power conditioner from Mac but the other day it just went away and seems to be fine now

odd

:twilight zone theme plays:

[cheshirecat]

Is/was everything plugged into the same strip on the same outlet?

[terrapinj]

Is/was everything plugged into the same strip on the same outlet?

a couple devices (squeezebox and maybe phone pre) are on a different strip but both strips are in the same outlet - i hadn't changed anything to cue the buzzing to  go away

it had happened for brief periods on and off in the past so wondering if some component inside is bad or is going bad?

[Walstib62]

Another thing to try would be to connect headphones. If there is no buzz, that rules out your inputs and part of the amp Ckt. If you then swap speakers with buzz still there, you know it is in the amp.
The best consumer grade power conditioner is a UPS. The batteries inside are great filters-better than capacitors.
My guess is you've got an intermediate stage or output amp going bad.

[terrapinj]

Another thing to try would be to connect headphones. If there is no buzz, that rules out your inputs and part of the amp Ckt. If you then swap speakers with buzz still there, you know it is in the amp.
The best consumer grade power conditioner is a UPS. The batteries inside are great filters-better than capacitors.
My guess is you've got an intermediate stage or output amp going bad.

good call - ill have to try the headphone jack if the problem returns - thanks

[StuStu]

I was having this problem too. After a long elimination process, it ended up being an rca input on my pre. I plugged into a different input and the buzz is gone.

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

Is/was everything plugged into the same strip on the same outlet?

a couple devices (squeezebox and maybe phone pre) are on a different strip but both strips are in the same outlet - i hadn't changed anything to cue the buzzing to  go away

it had happened for brief periods on and off in the past so wondering if some component inside is bad or is going bad?

Google "ground loop hum", you'll find a lot of good resources. It's a problem that can come and go, most likely a not-so-good cable connection, next time it happens gently wiggle all the connections, even power (not enough to unplug) and see if the hum goes away. It could even be oxidation on a connector, humidity could play into it coming and going as well.

Sometimes you can have a grounding issue when you're using some components that do require grounding and others that do not. Also make sure your outlet has a proper ground, you can get a cheap 3-prong outlet tester at home cheapo or blowes. I'd recommend using the same power strip for all the devices in the chain if you can.

If it's a low level hum around 50-60hz it's very likely a grounding issue. I'd lean away from it being a component issue, or it would most likely happen more frequently and for longer durations.

Best of luck!