Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    2

    Hissing Speakers?

    So, my speakers put out a slight "hissing" noise. This happens when I'm watching TV, listening to a CD, watching a DVD - basically everything louder than -40 or -50 dB. While my setup isn't great (college makes for cheap sound systems), I certainly don't think it should sound this dirty. Here's what I have:

    A Pioneer VSX-D411 receiver, an RF Modulator for the tv, four Technics floor standing speakers, an Apex DVD player, a JVC CD player, and an old Philips VCR.

    All the speakers are connected with cheap 16 gauge "Acoustic Research" speaker wire (no gold pins or anything). The components are all hooked up with very basic cables (the connections are silver... nickel plated?). My first thought was that the speakers may not be shielded - they are, however, and each speaker is at least 5 feet from the TV.

    My question for you guys, the gurus of the audio world, is what could be causing the hissing? I should point out that the hissing appears to be the worst with DVDs and TV.

    What is the most likely culprit: cheap speaker wire, cheap connections, the RF Modulator?

    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Forum Regular thepogue's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Hayes, Va
    Posts
    490

    I'm sure it's NOT the

    cables nor the connections...I'd be looking @ the RF thingy...


    Pogue
    • Mark Levinson No. 27
    • Musical Fidelity 308cr
    • Martin Logan Prodigy's
    • Ariel Acoustics 10-T
    • Rega Planet CD
    • CJ Premier 9 DAC
    • Linn LP12 - Basik Plus - Valhalla
    • Benz Micro Cart.
    • Akai GX 747 Reel to Reel
    • Straight Wire Virtuoso Interconnects

  3. #3
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    884
    Quote Originally Posted by ElasticBuddha
    So, my speakers put out a slight "hissing" noise. This happens when I'm watching TV, listening to a CD, watching a DVD - basically everything louder than -40 or -50 dB. While my setup isn't great (college makes for cheap sound systems), I certainly don't think it should sound this dirty. Here's what I have:

    A Pioneer VSX-D411 receiver, an RF Modulator for the tv, four Technics floor standing speakers, an Apex DVD player, a JVC CD player, and an old Philips VCR.

    All the speakers are connected with cheap 16 gauge "Acoustic Research" speaker wire (no gold pins or anything). The components are all hooked up with very basic cables (the connections are silver... nickel plated?). My first thought was that the speakers may not be shielded - they are, however, and each speaker is at least 5 feet from the TV.

    My question for you guys, the gurus of the audio world, is what could be causing the hissing? I should point out that the hissing appears to be the worst with DVDs and TV.

    What is the most likely culprit: cheap speaker wire, cheap connections, the RF Modulator?

    Thanks in advance.
    How loud is the hiss? I presume you mean a sort of 'hssssssss.' That is ordinarily simply electronic noise, and all electronic components will produce some, as well as pass on a little bit of power line hum. There is usually a specification for it, usually called something like 'hum and noise' or 'signal to noise ratio,' in the owner's manual. Some equipment is quieter than others, of course. If you can hear the hiss at your listening position at the kinds of volume control settings you ordinarily use, then you have a problem. If not, then your equipment is adequately quiet.

    Well, the speakers, interconnects and speaker cables are passive, so it is extremely unlikely they are at fault. If the equipment is too noisy, then you can find out which one(s) are at fault by switching sources or disconnecting different pieces, using a process of elimination.
    "Opposition brings concord. Out of discord comes the fairest harmony."
    ------Heraclitus of Ephesis (fl. 504-500 BC), trans. Wheelwright.

  4. #4
    Silence of the spam Site Moderator Geoffcin's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    3,326

    Check you TV

    Quote Originally Posted by ElasticBuddha
    So, my speakers put out a slight "hissing" noise. This happens when I'm watching TV, listening to a CD, watching a DVD - basically everything louder than -40 or -50 dB. While my setup isn't great (college makes for cheap sound systems), I certainly don't think it should sound this dirty. Here's what I have:

    A Pioneer VSX-D411 receiver, an RF Modulator for the tv, four Technics floor standing speakers, an Apex DVD player, a JVC CD player, and an old Philips VCR.

    All the speakers are connected with cheap 16 gauge "Acoustic Research" speaker wire (no gold pins or anything). The components are all hooked up with very basic cables (the connections are silver... nickel plated?). My first thought was that the speakers may not be shielded - they are, however, and each speaker is at least 5 feet from the TV.

    My question for you guys, the gurus of the audio world, is what could be causing the hissing? I should point out that the hissing appears to be the worst with DVDs and TV.

    What is the most likely culprit: cheap speaker wire, cheap connections, the RF Modulator?

    Thanks in advance.
    Unplug it and see if the hissing is still there. Try that with all the other source components one by one. If it's still hissy, the you may have to settle for the fact that your dorm is full of RF noise, and the receiver is not shielded against it.
    Audio;
    Ming Da MC34-AB 75wpc
    PS Audio Classic 250. 500wpc into 4 ohms.
    PS Audio 4.5 preamp,
    Marantz 6170 TT Shure M97e cart.
    Arcam Alpha 9 CD.- 24 bit dCS Ring DAC.
    Magnepan 3.6r speakers Oak/black,

  5. #5
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Prescott, AZ
    Posts
    117
    Hissing speakers?


    Be on guard and keep your distance, they're getting ready to bite!!!!!!!!!

    (( ;

    EFE

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 13
    Last Post: 10-14-2013, 08:44 AM
  2. The Nuance thread
    By Mike H in forum Speakers
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 02-06-2005, 03:45 AM
  3. RGA Reviews Page 3 - yes still more.
    By RGA in forum Speakers
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 09-11-2004, 05:10 PM
  4. Replies: 4
    Last Post: 09-02-2004, 11:21 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •