Z680's Hissing

[Jojo7]

Just got these new speakers (z-680's) and they are amazing when playing music but they emit a hissing noise when not in use.

I'm just using the regular (crappy) speaker wire that they sent in the box. Would getting new speaker wire help at all?

I found this article http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?page=support/products/document&CRID=1790&contentid=6523&contentid2=6518&showalldocuments=0&countryid=19&languageid=1

Another thing to note is that the hissing does not increase in volume when I turn the volume up on the speakers or in windows.

I live in an old house, and like it says in that FAQ, I'm guessing the polarization of the plugs is not correct or something to do with "unclean" power.

I may borrow a ups from someone and use it on the speakers and see if it doesn't help.

Ideas? Comments? TIA


Edit: Btw, I'm using the analog (3 plugs) to my sound card instead of optical or digi coax.

 

[TaylorMaC692]

lets face it. many of the z680's hiss. That's why logitech is putting out a new set of 5.1 speakers (that are more affordable as well). Just as the Promedia 4.1's and 5.1's hissed from klipsch, the z680's and even to some extent the 560's hiss.

 

[cliftonite]

I belive this is a known problem. Give logitech a call, they will probably take care of it for you.

 

[Nohr]

Check out the First Impressions portion of this review:

There was a noticeable hiss, quite an annoying one, that could be heard from up to three feet away, emanating from all four satellites at any volume setting or input selection. It reminded me of a sound I had heard coming from a boom box I had in college after it had popped its fuse once and been reset due to a surge.

After doing some research I discovered that the first production run of Logitech Z680 speakers had a problem with the revision "A" control pod circuitry. I was not alone, noting many dozens of complaints in numerous online forums regarding the same issue. I immediately got in touch with Logitech and they sent out a revision "B" control pod as a replacement, their policy for new Z680 systems still under warranty. I was assured that I had gotten an old set (mine came back in May of this year but dated to the original production run right at the beginning of the year) and that all new sets from around that time moving forward would have the revised control pod with changed circuitry that eliminated the problem.

After replacing the control pod I made a conscious effort to listen for any hiss or other noise emanating from the system under various configurations and with no actual input signal coming in. The hiss was definitely corrected, the satellites being dead silent.

 

[Jojo7]

VERY interesting. Thanks Nohr.

I just read an article explaining how to check the firmware of your speakers. I have the 1.1.2 version and this is supposedly the good version.

I'm still thinking I have unclean power though. Even with the pc and other devices near me off, I hear the hiss.

I may try taking them over to a friend's house with better electricity or try them on a ups or something. If that doesn't work, I'm calling Logitech for sure.

Thanks again for the help everyone.

 

[bigshooter]

They hiss, even the "fixed" ones. I don't know why I am stumbling onto so many threads recommending the stupid things today. I bought a set from Dell during a big sale, and I was excited to hear how much better they were than my $99 pos creative 4.1s. The subwoofer goes from off to loud crappy sounding bass with no steps in between. The only redeeming quality is the remote 😛.

Mine were the supposedly fixed ones as well. They hissed out the center channel which is very annoying since it sits right in front of you.

 

[Zelmo3]

Funny, mine don't hiss at all. I have them plugged into a small office UPS, so that may help.

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: Zelmo3
Funny, mine don't hiss at all. I have them plugged into a small office UPS, so that may help.

check again. they hiss cuz of the problem with the amplifier. clean power helps, but doesnt eliminate the problem.

 

[beatle]

I had 3 different sets, all with the latest firmware (1.1.2). I plugged them into my UPS, tried digital coax, optical, and analog inputs individually, unplugged all inputs, hit mute, etc. and they STILL hissed. Logitech's response after I told them the 2nd set they sent me hissed: "Oh, they all do that." Return them if you can!

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: TaylorMaC692
lets face it. many of the z680's hiss. That's why logitech is putting out a new set of 5.1 speakers (that are more affordable as well). Just as the Promedia 4.1's and 5.1's hissed from klipsch, the z680's and even to some extent the 560's hiss.

I've never experienced any hissing on my Klipsch 4.1s (maybe I'm just lucky).

Thorin

 

[Zelmo3]

Wow, you're right! They do hiss, now that I plugged them back into the sound card 😉
It's just the ones that are active though (center channel doesn't hiss when it's set to stereo or stereox2), and it's quiet enough that I have to hold the satellites up to my ears to hear it. Certainly not perceptible over the computer's fans.