How to eliminate background noise in computer speakers?

[LucJoe]

My speakers, like most that I've seen have more and more background noise (fuzz) as I turn the volume up. Normally, I don't really notice a problem with this, but last night I was watching a DVD, and I had to turn the speakers up very loud in order to get a decent volume out of the dvd. It sounded fine, but there was so much background noise it was distracting.

I'm using: Logitech z560 4.1 speakers, SB Live! Value sound card.

Anyone know of any tweaks or optimizations to get less of this out of my computer? Will upgrading to a better sound card help?

 

[tweakmm]

well, the background noise is caused by noise getting introduced into your audio setup. The ways that you can fix that is to get a higher quality cable from your SB to your speakers and then get better speaker wire for the speakers. This should get rid of alot of the background noise

 

[LucJoe]

Well, the cable from the sound card is the one that's built into the z560 control center and i don't think i can replace it, but the speaker wire I can do. I heard it help dramatically to get better speaker wire because the stuff that comes with it is pretty low grade

 

[tweakmm]

<< Well, the cable from the sound card is the one that's built into the z560 control center and i don't think i can replace it, but the speaker wire I can do. I heard it help dramatically to get better speaker wire because the stuff that comes with it is pretty low grade >>


yes, here is some good stuff that is reasonable priced

 

[bacillus]

try muting any of the soundcard's inputs that you're not using!

 

[LucJoe]

Hmm.. I've heard that the z560 won't work with anything better than 16 gauge wire, would it be better to get something like this?

Or, for really cheap, this?

 

[dkozloski]

Noise in computer audio systems can drive you crazy. Anything inside the case is subject to bombardment by Electro Magnetic Interference. You will find yourself relocating cards trying to put distance between your audio card and anything else. Rerouting cabling sometimes helps. Sometimes you just have to learn to live with it.

 

[LucJoe]

wow, If I mute the Microphone input, it cuts down on the noise by about 80%, thanks for the tip bacillus

 

[bacillus]

glad to hear you're making headway!

 

[GTaudiophile]

<< wow, If I mute the Microphone input, it cuts down on the noise by about 80%, thanks for the tip bacillus >>



Continue along that path: mute line-in, AUX, and all other audio inputs you don't use. Also, connect your DVD/CD-ROM to your soundcard with the two-pin digital cable if you can. Lastly, enable digital audio for your DVD/CD-ROM in device manager (Win2K).

Edit: Also consider connecting your speaker's power cord to an outlet not powering the rest of your computer. Move any desklamps or any other electrical devices a few feet away from your speakers.