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Topic: Intermittent static in one or both speakers (Read 5343 times) previous topic - next topic
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Intermittent static in one or both speakers

For longer than I like to admit, I’ve experienced static in one or both of my speakers when playing music though by slim devices squeezebox 2.  Lately it has become more frequent.  But it is still comes and goes in a way that makes the problem hard to diagnose.

My squeezebox has a USB connection with my router, and RCA cable connections to my receiver auxiliary inputs. The RCA cables are 6’ Acoustic Research heavy duty directional cables. 

On a couple of occasions, the static has been sufficiently persistent that I could do some “controlled experiments.”  This is what I’ve found: 
  • When alternating between CD playback and squeezebox playback, static only present with the squeezebox input.
  • When unplugging the RCA cables form the squeezebox and plugging them into a a tape deck, static present when playing tape deck.
  • When unplugging the RCA cables from the auxiliary inputs and plugging them into the Tape 2 playback inputs, static present when playing Tape 2.

I think the problem must either be with the RCA cables or the Receiver.  If the problem is with the Receiver, it must be that the auxiliary inputs and the Tape 2 playback inputs share some internal circuits that CD playback does not share.  Is that a correct assumption?

I’ve considered the possibility that the problem is power cord interference with the RCA cables.  Would power cord interference result in static?

With regard to possible power cord interference, prior to this weekend my setup was very careless.  The Receiver power cord shared the same path with the RCA cable.  I corrected that, but have experienced the static since. However, the RCA cables do cross the path of the direct power line from my router and from my squeezebox.  A permanent fix for that would be difficult, but I have done a temporary fix and have yet to experience static—but its only been a couple of hours.  Is it possible that interference from the direct power cords are causing this problem?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks,
Randy


Intermittent static in one or both speakers

Reply #1 –
Audio cables near to AC cables could cause hum. It will not cause static. Next time it happens. I would try wiggling cables, pushing buttons and turning knobs. It sounds like you have a bad connection or a dirty contact inside the receiver.

Intermittent static in one or both speakers

Reply #2 –
Could someone tell me what is a directional cable?

Intermittent static in one or both speakers

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Notat on
Audio cables near to AC cables could cause hum. It will not cause static. Next time it happens. I would try wiggling cables, pushing buttons and turning knobs. It sounds like you have a bad connection or a dirty contact inside the receiver.


Thanks. 

I have experienced the static with my new temporary setup with RCA cables not crossing the path of my direct current (and AC) power cords. 

I will try new RCA cables.  If that doesn't work, I will get a new receiver.  (Current one is not worth repairing.)

Regarding "directional cables," my cables have arrows showing the proper "signal direction."  I assume it is a special shielding mechanism.

Intermittent static in one or both speakers

Reply #4 –
Another option is to put a source switcher like this in front of the one input you know works fine.  Would work for any sources other than phono.  A little kludgy, but cheap!
 

Intermittent static in one or both speakers

Reply #5 –
I know this is an old post, but just wondering if you were able to resolve this issue because I've had it come up intermittently as well and it's pretty infuriating.


Quote from: randym on
For longer than I like to admit, I’ve experienced static in one or both of my speakers when playing music though by slim devices squeezebox 2.  Lately it has become more frequent.  But it is still comes and goes in a way that makes the problem hard to diagnose.

My squeezebox has a USB connection with my router, and RCA cable connections to my receiver auxiliary inputs. The RCA cables are 6’ Acoustic Research heavy duty directional cables. 

On a couple of occasions, the static has been sufficiently persistent that I could do some “controlled experiments.”  This is what I’ve found: 
  • When alternating between CD playback and squeezebox playback, static only present with the squeezebox input.
  • When unplugging the RCA cables form the squeezebox and plugging them into a a tape deck, static present when playing tape deck.
  • When unplugging the RCA cables from the auxiliary inputs and plugging them into the Tape 2 playback inputs, static present when playing Tape 2.

I think the problem must either be with the RCA cables or the Receiver.  If the problem is with the Receiver, it must be that the auxiliary inputs and the Tape 2 playback inputs share some internal circuits that CD playback does not share.  Is that a correct assumption?

I’ve considered the possibility that the problem is power cord interference with the RCA cables.  Would power cord interference result in static?

With regard to possible power cord interference, prior to this weekend my setup was very careless.  The Receiver power cord shared the same path with the RCA cable.  I corrected that, but have experienced the static since. However, the RCA cables do cross the path of the direct power line from my router and from my squeezebox.  A permanent fix for that would be difficult, but I have done a temporary fix and have yet to experience static—but its only been a couple of hours.  Is it possible that interference from the direct power cords are causing this problem?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks,
Randy