Static and Crackling from a Single Speaker

[Dedpuhl]

I'm fairly certain that it's the receiver, but I figured I'd post this while I wait for a response from Harman Kardon.

Issue

I have static/light crackling noise coming from the right front speaker. Powered off all devices except for the receiver and there was still static. After several seconds, the static/crackling will increase in volume (maybe 4 levels) for several seconds, and then it will drop back to a lower level.

To a lesser extent the static occurs in the back left satellite speaker as well.

Setup

Samsung 56" DLP (old but still awesome)
Harman Kardon AVR 3600
Polk Audio Speakers (2 front, 2 satellite, 1 center, 1 sub)
Belkin PureAV PF30 Power Console
PS3, Wii, HD-DVD Player, Cable Box
Speaker Wire: 14AWG Enhanced Loud Oxygen-Free Copper Speaker Wire Cable

Attempted Troubleshooting

1. Inspected wiring – all ok
2. Inspected connections – all ok
3. Swapped front speakers – static in still in front right location
4. Unplugged receiver from power console and plugged directly into wall – no change
5. Swapped front speaker wires – static moved to left speaker


Ideas? I'm assuming something's wrong with the receiver's port(s).

 

[Anarchist420]

Do a master reset of your receiver.

It sounds like you could have a short in your speaker wire.

 

[amdhunter]

Do a master reset of your receiver.

It sounds like you could have a short in your speaker wire.

:thumbsup:

 

[Dedpuhl]

I forgot to update this. To clarify my troubleshooting attempt (#5), I swapped the front speaker wires at the receiver only. So, the left speaker was receiving signals from the right speaker port on the receiver and vice versa. If there was an issue with the speaker wire, I would've expected to hear the crackling and static from the right speaker still. Instead, the left speaker had static.

Anyway, after going back and forth on troubleshooting the issue with HK, they decided to do an exchange since it's under warranty.

 

[sdifox]

that is definitely the receiver.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Yeah I was going to say after swapping cables around (at both ends) you can usually determine where the culprit is located (i.e. after simply plugging the left speaker into the right channel and the static moved to the left speaker, you can bet the issue is before the speaker/cable).

If the noise didn't switch speakers, I would have then said to swap the left and right cables which would then have told you if it was the cable or the speaker that had the problem.

 

[Dstoop]

Stupid question, but do you have a wireless router/access point anywhere near the speakers or the subwoofer?

My router currently sits on a lower shelf of my computer desk and if something nudges it ever so slightly closer to the subwoofer my left speaker gets cracking and static due to interference. If your router just happens to be sitting on a table underneath the speaker or near the receiver, it may be the culprit.