How much speaker hum is normal...if any?

[DeadDog]

Originally Posted by John72953

I'm assuming you are talking about a hum that is heard when nothing is playing....the sytem is turned on but that's it? Correct?

You will hear something in this case, but then that is not abnormal. The degree of noise is something I can't ascertain not being there, but I also know I wouldn't have my ear glued to the speaker.

If it's an audible noise from a regular seating position I'd say you have something to worry about or investigate.

Give us a few more precise details as to how and when and under what circunstances you are hearing this hum.

John

Correct. I cannot hear it when I'm just sitting on the couch watching a movie or tv. I only hear it if I place my ear within about 1.5 feet of the speaker (with the sound muted), even then I really have to try to listen for it.

I can really tell it's there when my ear is just inches from the speaker. I assumed some noise is expected but I'm just not sure how much. Is this noise just from the speakers receiving power? Is this acceptable?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by DeadDog

Correct. I cannot hear it when I'm just sitting on the couch watching a movie or tv. I only hear it if I place my ear within about 1.5 feet of the speaker, even then I really have to try to listen for it.

I can really tell it's there when my ear is just inches from the speaker. I assumed some noise is expected but I'm just not sure how much. Is this noise just from the speakers receiving power? Is this acceptable?

I would say from what you're describing that it's acceptable. There is always a hum, sound, or whatever when you're system is on....that is normal. As long as it isn't overtly noticable you're fine.

Did you change your speakers/amplifier/other componant recently and is this something new you noticed?

John

[DeadDog]

Originally Posted by John72953

I would say from what you're describing that it's acceptable. There is always a hum, sound, or whatever when you're system is on....that is normal. As long as it isn't overtly noticable you're fine.

Did you change your speakers/amplifier/other componant recently and is this something new you noticed?

John

Yep, it's a new receiver and new speakers and wires. The HTiB I had before was just plugged in and never really though more about, so therefore I never thought to listen for the hum (or anything else for that matter). Now that I'm getting into the world of HD-audio, I'm finding myself adjusting crossover settings, calibrating, tweaking, etc. I'm just looking to make sure everything is as good as I can get it.

Thanks for your help, I think it may just be the normal "ambient" sound from the system being on. It really is not noticeable unless I'm trying to find it (at which point my ears are pressed up to the speakers )

Thanks again.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Welcome then to the wonderful world of better audio! Enjoy your new setup and be prepared for the "upgraditis" bug to hit you soon. It'll be more noticeable than any hum you hear!

Enjoy,

John

[billt928]

I have no humming or buzzing from my HT system. Even tested 2 inputs at +15 volume with disk on pause, still no humming or buzzing. My wires are tangled mess also, guess that says something for good quality wires and dedicated power outlets.

[DiverSpear]

More than likely what you are hearing is the noise on that branch ckt. A power conditioner and/or a dedicated ckt installed for your HT gear will solve the problem.

[Zman2k2]

^^That's what I was thinking as well. You may need to invest in some sort of power conditioner. What you may be hearing is "dirty" power. Too much RF interference could be giving you the hum you're talking about.

[DeadDog]

Originally Posted by DiverSpear

More than likely what you are hearing is the noise on that branch ckt. A power conditioner and/or a dedicated ckt installed for your HT gear will solve the problem.

Yeah, I should have thought about that but it didn't cross my mind. I live in an apartment so "dirty" power could definitely be something to consider. What power conditioners are recommended?

I also thought about the fact that different AVR's could play into it. I figure the higher end units probably do a better job of filtering noise than the lower ones. I know my receiver isn't top of the line, so that may be something as well. Not really sure.

I'll definitely look into the power conditioner, we'll see if that solves the "problem".

[icyteddy]

Originally Posted by billt928

I have no humming or buzzing from my HT system. Even tested 2 inputs at +15 volume with disk on pause, still no humming or buzzing. My wires are tangled mess also, guess that says something for good quality wires and dedicated power outlets.

Agree! For the people that have the hum or buzz, wondering could it also be some AVR works better with some speakers/amp and wires than others. My wires are NOT expensive wires but they are also not the cheapest wires either. And don't get the idea of using overprice (monster cable) cables for the hum or buzz to go away. Maybe it depends on the setup also.