speaker buzz

silk186

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Feb 26, 2008
Messages
1,628
This may be a stupid question... I've noticed that sometimes my speakers buzz when the speaker wire is moved when I move my mouse or keyboard. I'm using the 3.5mm auxiliary stereo cable that connects from the motherboard audio out to the speakers (in sig). I'm wondering if I order a shielded cable would this prevent the buzzing?
 
It's possible. Your cable may be damaged or it's a simple ground loop. Ground loops are extremely common with computers connected to amps or active speakers. You can try installing a galvanic isolator or a ground potential lifter (about 20 bucks) between the computer and the speakers.
 
It's possible. Your cable may be damaged or it's a simple ground loop. Ground loops are extremely common with computers connected to amps or active speakers. You can try installing a galvanic isolator or a ground potential lifter (about 20 bucks) between the computer and the speakers.
You learn something new every day. If it is going to cost that much I will hold out for a while and make sure my next speakers have an optical input.
 
you can play around with what power socket the speakers are in to see if that helps too.
 
If the buzzing comes only when you move the cable accidentally, most likely the cause is a broken connector at the source or speaker or a broken cable. 3.5mm jack sockets break quite easily if they get twisted.
 
I just replaced the motherboard. It seems to be when the speaker wire is on certain other wires which is why I was thinking a 'better' wire might help.
I'm using the wire that was included with the speakers.
 
got an old vga cable kicking around? the lumps on the ends of cables is usually a choke. you could rip one out...
I do actually. I will take a look at it tomorrow. I did a bit of reading and it seems they have all different types and made selecting one sounds overly complicated. They are very cheap on ebay for a pack of 4-5.
 
I do actually. I will take a look at it tomorrow. I did a bit of reading and it seems they have all different types and made selecting one sounds overly complicated. They are very cheap on ebay for a pack of 4-5.
ive used clip on log style ones and the round doughnut style where you loop the cable through and around it. didn't know there was supposed to be a difference.
 
Miniature phone plugs are a nuisance. They're just not reliable. The cable assembly on the plug is weak and is subject to breakage. And the jack is also unreliable.

You said you get a buzz when you jiggle the cable. That's a bad cable or a bad jack. (Not a shield problem, and not a ground loop.)
 
Back
Top