Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Hussing/Humming Issue?

[essential]

Best Buy had the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1s on sale for $99, so I took the dive. Now, they sound great, but when I have no sound coming from the machine, there is a loud hum/hiss coming from the satellite speakers. The hum/hiss goes away if the master volume on the satellite knob is about 30% or less, but above that I can hear it in a quiet room. I can deal with leaving the master volume knob on the satellite at 30% or less, but I just want to know if I should be looking to exchanging this set for a new set.

Now, the hum/hiss is louder when my computer is not muted, but there is still a hum/hiss with the computer muted.

Is this normal? Did I get bad speakers or wiring? They are plugged into a very good surge protector. My last speakers were a cheaper Logitech 5.1 system, but I never had any humming/hissing issues at any volume levels.

YOyo usually comes to my rescue with these types of questions, but any input would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[Soundmanred]

Are you using an optical or a coaxial cable?

 

[Peter]

If you're using a digital cable (optical or copper), then the signal from the computer gets to the speakers inherently free of noise.

If you're using analog cabling, then the input signal inherently IS to some degree noisy. Use a different source for comparison, to determine how bad your computer's is.

 

[essential]

I am using what came with the system. It's not optical, so I guess it's coaxial? Here is a link to the wiring.

http://www.klipsch.com/product...-speaker-wire-set.aspx

It is a headphone type connection that plugs into the back of each speaker, and the other end is a speaker red/black wire input that goes into the sub. Also, there is a thick cord coming from one of that satelittles that plugs into the sub. The end of that cord/plug looks an old school PS/2 mouse/keyboard input.

 

[Peter]

That's just the wiring inbetween the speakers, which inherently is analog, thus not an answer to our question.

Again: Are you using analog or digital wiring BETWEEN THE COMPUTER AND THE SPEAKER SET?

 

[LOUISSSSS]

might have to do with your sampling rate... set mine to 44 and humming went away!

 

[MyLeftNut]

I don't think these speakers have digital inputs, do they?

 

[jackschmittusa]

If you are using a 1/8" stereo plug to connect to the computer, just try plugging it into an MP3 player. If the noise goes away, it's the computer.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Sorry I don't come into Peripherals anymore really

The Promedia sets do not have digital inputs, so he's using analog to connect.

A small amount of hissing is normal for speakers, but this sounds like it's more than that. Try what jackschmittusa suggested as that will narrow the problem down to either the speakers or the computer.

You said the problem lessens when the computer is muted - do you have all the inputs on your soundcard muted that you're not using? (Line-in, Microphone, etc.) That can introduce a lot of unwanted noise.

 

[essential]

When I plug my iPod into the Aux-In of the speaker there is the same humming issue. So this is a bad set and I should exchange?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: essential
When I plug my iPod into the Aux-In of the speaker there is the same humming issue. So this is a bad set and I should exchange?

If it's humming plugged into a working iPod, then yeah, the humming is an issue with the speakers themselves.

It's not just humming / hissing if you put your ear right up to the speakers right? (It's an obvious hum / hiss?)

 

[essential]

Yes, if I am sitting in a normal position at my desk, in my room with no other noise (tv/music) then I can hear a hum/hiss with the speaker volume around 35-40% whether it's attached to the computer or the ipod. Right now everything is fine if I leave the Klipsch volume at 30% and full blast the Windows volume, but like I said, it's more about having a fully functioning set of speakers. I got a gift receipt with these even though they were for me, so I will probably exchange them for a new set right after Christmas.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: essential
Yes, if I am sitting in a normal position at my desk, in my room with no other noise (tv/music) then I can hear a hum/hiss with the speaker volume around 35-40% whether it's attached to the computer or the ipod. Right now everything is fine if I leave the Klipsch volume at 30% and full blast the Windows volume, but like I said, it's more about having a fully functioning set of speakers. I got a gift receipt with these even though they were for me, so I will probably exchange them for a new set right after Christmas.

Good luck with the replacement set