Sound Spike

[dextr3k]

Got a problem I was wondering if anyone can help out with:

I have a set of Logitech X240's, they are plugged into a power bar and into the wall.
I also have a mini-fridge for drinks and what not in my room, plugged into the wall, not on the same socket, but most likely on the same fuse as the speakers.

Everytime the compressor on the fridge kicks in, and shuts down, theres a spike in the power in my room and the lights dim for half a second.

My problem is when the compressor kicks in, my speakers have a loud sound that come out. Its really annoying when i have the speakers on but nothing going thru, so all of a sudden i'd get a loud "bang" sound.

I wanted to ask if this is 1) causing any damage to my speakers, and 2) is there an easy way to avoid/fix the problem?

 

[ditzilla]

try a good (APC) surge protector that has line conditioning? plug the fridge into that and see if it helps?

 

[dextr3k]

hmm, worth a try, any suggestions on brands or models?

 

[brom42]

try a good (APC) surge protector that has line conditioning? plug the fridge into that and see if it helps?

He needs to improve what his speakers/computer is plugged into, not the fridge. That should stay plugged into the wall. I have a couple of APC AVRs and UPS w/ built in AVRs and they all say that plugging something into them with a large motor (such as a fridge compressor) will kill them.


If you don't need power back up, I would suggest one of these They put out great clean power and get rid of all the noise. I have my home theater plugged into one and I get absolutely no line noise. I got one for the same reason, I have a minifridge next to my couch that is on the same curcuit as my TV/Reciever. Used to get a buzzing noise when the fridge was on. Not any more.

 

[dextr3k]

hmmmm, doesnt actually seem worth it.

These costed more than what I paid for my logitech speakers...lol.....

 

[brom42]

hmmmm, doesnt actually seem worth it.

These costed more than what I paid for my logitech speakers...lol.....

Probably. I have mine protecting about $3000 with of stuff, so it seemed like a small price to pay.

 

[ditzilla]

for the price of that line conditioner, I think it's totally worth it. It's not just your speakers you need to be concerned with, it's the spikes from the fridge. I'd never seen one of these before. Heck I may jump on one of those - 100 y/o house, weird old wiring, stuff happens!

 

[dextr3k]

well, the line conditioner is $46, I paid $39 for my logitech x240's. so Im not really worried about my speakers, for that money i'll buy another set of speakers =P.

I bought a surge protector and put everyone except the fridge on the surge power bar. Didnt fix the problem, but not really worried about giant spikes anymore.... for $46 I can stand a bit of noise...