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Topic: Any way to fix electrical spikes on old stereo? (Read 2935 times) previous topic - next topic
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Any way to fix electrical spikes on old stereo?

Hello! I have an old Panasonic SA-AK57 stereo, and I'd like to use the AUX input to connect it to my computer. Unfortunately, the unit seems to have some electrical issues: not only is there a constant background hum with AUX, but on occasion, I hear a loud POP from the speakers, which then sometimes freezes my computer. This is pretty clearly caused by a spike or buildup in electricity, which I'm assuming is caused by the fact that my computer is grounded and my stereo is not. Unfortunately, the unit only has a 2-pronged plug, and I couldn't find a ground connector anywhere on the back. Is there any way to remedy the situation, or should I just get a new sound system?

EDIT: There does seem to be a ground plug, but it's for an outdoor FM antenna.

Any way to fix electrical spikes on old stereo?

Reply #1 –
If the device has a metal chassis, perhaps you could try grounding that?

Just pick one of the screws (hopefully not a crucial one that where you unscrew it everything falls apart), and unscrew it like halfway. Wrap a stripped end of a wire around it, and screw it back down. Then ground that wire.

Any way to fix electrical spikes on old stereo?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: archagon on
Hello! I have an old Panasonic SA-AK57 stereo, and I'd like to use the AUX input to connect it to my computer. Unfortunately, the unit seems to have some electrical issues: not only is there a constant background hum with AUX, but on occasion, I hear a loud POP from the speakers, which then sometimes freezes my computer. This is pretty clearly caused by a spike or buildup in electricity, which I'm assuming is caused by the fact that my computer is grounded and my stereo is not. Unfortunately, the unit only has a 2-pronged plug, and I couldn't find a ground connector anywhere on the back. Is there any way to remedy the situation, or should I just get a new sound system?

EDIT: There does seem to be a ground plug, but it's for an outdoor FM antenna.


There should be a ground connection for the phono if it has that input. 

On the hum in the aux input, does it hum if the input is shorted?