Speaker Noise

[OnePostWonder]

I have a set of Altec Lansing AVS500 speakers (4.1).

Recently, the front left speaker started making a noise. It's hard to describe, as some people might hear a "buzzing" sound while others may hear a "whistle".

This sound changes if I wiggle the cable, especially where it is plugged in on the subwoofer.

Thank you in advance for any input.

 

[garyinhere]

sounds like some kind of RF interference to me you can learn more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_interference

 

[1freedude]

Swap the plug out. Prob cheap connector failed.

 

[Frederik S]

Most likely just a dead plug.

 

[micropage7]

it could be from cable, connector, try to replace them, then install the cable out from power cable
or check the volume button, some noise could be from dirty contact are on that

 

[Lazzer408]

If I had a nickle for every Altec Lansing speaker that had buzzing from bad solder joints on the connectors... well I'd have alot of nickles.

 

[OnePostWonder]

@garyinhere

I thought it might be this, as recently my phone was moved to within 2 feet of the speakers. So I moved the phone back to where it was and had no change. I can't think of anything else that has been changed since this started.

@Those suggesting I replace the cable.

I don't know where I would start. The AVS500 speakers are completely sealed with no screws whatsoever. If anyone has any tips on this department, let me know. Also, should you need a picture or two, I'd happily snap some.

 

[Dogshitjoint]

If I had a nickle for every Altec Lansing speaker that had buzzing from bad solder joints on the connectors... well I'd have alot of nickles.

My probs were with teh Logitech Z3, why on earth choose such an elderly solution as the DIN-Plug is beyond my comprehension...but now i have teh "g00d stuff" like using a QED HQ SPDIF Coaxial cable in purple colour (nice) + QED pearlwhite HQ speakercables & It does magic with my soundsystem

On a sidenote most cheap/old stuff are better burnt in a tire-fire for what I care (soo many crappy electronics I have wasted my/others cash on before I were introduced to Hi-Fi (High Fidelity)with exception of bying crap-speakers cuz of low budget)

We have a store here in Sweden named Hi-Fi Klubben (Hi-Fi Club) that spread the word around "Bad sound - Kills good music" & I say its dead on right.

Enough written about this.

@ TS I hope youll get teh buzzing enoying sound away, try to move teh speakers away from any magnetic source as teh speakers are highly unlikely to be magnetically shielded (Unlike mine where all teh speakers are shielded barring teh Sub, but its not necessesary when it comes to subwoofers in general) & thus causing interfence (do you hear when neighbours use their cellphones out of your speakers?) if yes then I would suggest upgrading time to teh "g00d stuff" if your budget allows for it then a pair of TANNOY Revolution Studio Monitors can surround u with HQ sound especially coupled with a moderatly priced Subwoofer from any good manufacturer like B&W,Dali etc.

However that may be pricey for ya?

But then there is also teh lower priced M-AUDIO speaker series, that sounds much better than u would think judging by teh price.

GL & I hope your ears wont bleed cuz of teh info, but hey they might already be on their way due to teh Altecs :O

//Dog

 

[alucasa]

Yeah, I have had several speakers of mine buzz on me for numerous occasions. In some cases, it was mobo that had bad auido chip. Sometimes, it was bad connector.

After all kind of crap, I just decided to use USB speaker which eliminated any buzzing for years for me.
About a month ago, getting sick of all cables, I got a wireless speaker from Logitech. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121049

It works surprisingly well and no cables! Now, the only cables coming from back of my PC case are power cord and a DVI cable and that's it.

 

[OnePostWonder]

So, should I conclude that I'm out of luck and will be buying a new set of speakers?

 

[Lazzer408]

So, should I conclude that I'm out of luck and will be buying a new set of speakers?

Does wiggling any of the connectors on the speakers stop them from buzzing? Have you tried playing an mp3 player through them? Have you listened to the PC with headphones? Buzzing still there on either? If your speakers still buzz then it's either then internal psu filter caps (on the speakers) or you lost the audio shielding (grounds). Both problems are fairly easy to fix if you know how to solder.

 

[OnePostWonder]

Does wiggling any of the connectors on the speakers stop them from buzzing? Have you tried playing an mp3 player through them? Have you listened to the PC with headphones? Buzzing still there on either? If your speakers still buzz then it's either then internal psu filter caps (on the speakers) or you lost the audio shielding (grounds). Both problems are fairly easy to fix if you know how to solder.

Changing the source makes no difference. I've used headphones and heard no buzzing. When using a CD player, the speakers still buzz.

Wiggling the connector running from the front two speakers to the subwoofer @ the subwoofer seems to have an effect on the higher pitched noise while the buzzing is still constant.

It's probably worth noting that, when tapping on the wire running from the front two speakers to the subwoofer, I can hear myself tapping on it through the speakers.

 

[francis511]

Sounds like the rocketships in Flash Gordon !

 

[OnePostWonder]

 

[Lazzer408]

It's probably worth noting that, when tapping on the wire running from the front two speakers to the subwoofer, I can hear myself tapping on it through the speakers.

Got a screwdriver? Open it up and check the solder joints on the connector.

 

[OnePostWonder]

Got a screwdriver? Open it up and check the solder joints on the connector.

Post #7.

I still don't know where those screws would be.

 

[Lazzer408]

Behind the plastic grill? They may have glued that box shut though. I haven't opened that one before.

 

[OnePostWonder]

Yes, it is glued shut.

I may be able to provide pictures of the subwoofer per your request.