Newbie here - how much speaker "hum" is normal, at max volume?

[Dankk]

I recently upgraded from a cheap boombox, to an actual, proper sound system for the first time (a receiver and two speakers).

These are my components:

• Onkyo TX-8020 stereo receiver (50w/channel)
• Onkyo SKF-4800 floor-standing speakers (pair)

One thing I've noticed, is that if I turn up the volume enough - at least 75% of the way - there is an audible, electrical "humming" noise that comes out of the speakers. It happens regardless of which input I select, and it is equally loud on both speakers.

Here is a video, to give you an idea of what it sounds like on max volume:

Even at max volume, you can't really hear it unless the room is dead silent, or your head is within a few feet of the speakers. However, I guess my question is whether or not this should even be happening at all. Is this normal?

Is it coming from the receiver itself? I notice, when the receiver is turned on and I put my head up next to it, the receiver has a "hum" of its own, probably from the electrical transformer. Not sure if this is the same thing that's coming out of my speakers, though.

Is it the speaker wires? I kinda doubt it; I took extra care in stripping the wires and attaching the banana plugs. Also, the humming noise sounds exactly the same on both speakers, so unless both speaker wires are identically faulty by coincidence, I imagine this is ruled out.

Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[LikeLinus]

This could be several issues. Have you tried different sources? It could be a source generating the hum. (Signal-to-noise)

Speaker sensitivity could also cause an issue. Higher the sensitivity, the more chance for noise to be generated.

It could also be a ground loop issue.

Receivers can also naturally produce a very low hum. Cranking your receiver up loud without playing anything would make this more noticeable. Check at normal listening levels.

Since it sounds like you can't really hear it unless it's cranked, i'd just consider it system noise from the components and call it a day. If you can't hear it at normal listening levels, that's good enough.

 

[spacejamz]

power conditioner might help to 'clean up' your electricity...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_conditioner

 

[WhiteNoise]

I have to use a power conditioner (two actually) because my house was built over 100 years ago and the wiring is from the 1960's give or take...so many outlets are not grounded. I have rewired some and grounded them properly but many are not. If I do not use a power conditioner I will get some hum. Who knows what your problem is but I'm just tossing out what I have experienced.

 

[alcoholbob]

Ground loop hum is noise that has entered the mains signal and is a fixed sound irrespective of volume level. If you have humming noise that increases with volume, it's most likely a voltage ripple issue and not an actual ground loop. A voltage regulator should fix this issue.