Static in Logitech Z-5500's

[JPB]

I am getting a buzzing sound in my satellites when I play certain songs. Some songs sound perfect. Anyone know what would be causing it? The sound card is an Audigy 4. Doesnt matter what volume its at, still does it. thanks

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Fixed rig link: http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.aspx?rigid=31849

Do you have all the inputs you're not using muted (line-in, mic, etc.)?

Are you sure it's not the sound files?

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Fixed rig link: http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.aspx?rigid=31849

Do you have all the inputs you're not using muted (line-in, mic, etc.)?

Are you sure it's not the sound files?

Im not sure, how do you mute the inputs your not using ? I know its not the song files, they played fine on the other speakers I had. It doesnt really sound like static though, Kinda sounds like interference from something. I have a corded phone here in the room, but the cordless is in the living room.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

You can do that in the windows sound control panel. There should be checkboxes to mute different inputs/outputs.

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
You can do that in the windows sound control panel. There should be checkboxes to mute different inputs/outputs.

Ok, I just did that...and it is still doing it......hmmmmmm

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Did you try to recently use a different speaker/headphone set to test if those give static now too? You could try to rule out something by testing a different output device.

 

[Wuzup101]

How are you connected to the Z5500s? I don't have much experience with the Aud4, are you using analogue or digital in? I haven't had any problems with my z5500s, perhaps do what others have said and use another device to test if it's the speakers. The only device that I have which causes any problems is my cell phone which I keep on my desk when I'm in my apartment. Occasionally it will cause some odd sounds for a few seconds, which is my experience with most speakers/cell phones.

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: Wuzup101
How are you connected to the Z5500s? I don't have much experience with the Aud4, are you using analogue or digital in? I haven't had any problems with my z5500s, perhaps do what others have said and use another device to test if it's the speakers. The only device that I have which causes any problems is my cell phone which I keep on my desk when I'm in my apartment. Occasionally it will cause some odd sounds for a few seconds, which is my experience with most speakers/cell phones.

Well, I have tried the other devices and it still did it. But I think I found it. In the volume control in Windows.....Under the advanced tab, where it says bass and treble, they both were all the way up. Turned them both down about 20-25% and now it sounds even better. Crystal clear actually......I think that is what the problem was, but one would think that these speakers would easily handle the bass and treble all the way up. It handles the speakers bass and treble all the way up...( which rocks ) but not the windows setting. I dont know. Have you had this problem ?

EDIT: Im hooked up through analog. Is there something I need to purchase to use the digital setup ? It looks like my Audigy 4 only has speaker inputs, though not sure....

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

The extremely boosted signal may have been introducing distortion to the signal or could have been exaggerating a small inperfection that was already there.

 

[alcoholbob]

They default is 50% for treble/bass. Those are the unattenuated defaults, and probably should not be changed unless you have hearing loss (which is the usual point for near-field equalization, otherwise, you people of normal hearing hear the distortion shoot up too).

Analog setup is fine, I'm more than willing to bet that your Audigy 4 has better DACs than your Logitech control panel. Best thing to do is revert all settings to defaults (and then turning off CMSS of course, PL2 is much better), and see if some of your songs still sound bad. If they still do, then:

1) I assume these are downloaded mp3s. They are probably lowbitrate songs. That's where the noise is coming from. Pick a higher quality source.

2) They are mp3s with very quiet scenes involving more laid back musical instruments. Most likely the mp3 was pre-encoded with too much gain to make up the difference (either the guy who encoded owned or assumed everyone would own equipment that was either poorly amplified or dynamically challenged, which is probably a correct assesment for most gamers), and the noise is just the original noise found in almost all mp3s, amplified a ton because the song itself was so quiet before.

Just some idle speculation on my part.