A slight hiss through the speakers.

mgaitonde

Hello all,

Is it normal for a very slight hiss (noise) coming out of the speakers when the receiver is on but when nothing is playing. Although only slight, it can be heard when sitting my quiet basement in the viewing position.

I've reconnected all the speaker cables to make sure there is no shorting. That did not help. Are the speakers supposed to be dead silent?

Thanks,
MG

Skynut

Great now I hear it too.

If I pause my cd and get real close I can hear a slight hum but no hiss. I don't know if this can be avoided? If so it probably requires more expensive equipment.

Oh the things we must do for perfection.

mgaitonde

Sorry Skynut to cause a headache
But now you know your system could sound even better; just need to find out how to get rid of that hum.

I tried the local Circuit City (CC) to test their systems (Polk specifically). I didn't hear any hum. But there was lot more (external) ambient noise, so I can't really trust the CC test.

My speakers are connected using a 14 gauge speaker cables. Not sure if a better one will get rid of the problem. If so which one?

Regards,
MG

polkatese

Slight hiss on the tweeter side is very normal (especially when you put your ear right on it). I have yet to find any power amp/integrated/receiver. etc. that don't emit, from the budget line to high-end Krell.

Enjoy the music and be happy!

mgaitonde

Thanks for the reply! It's reassuring to hear from a 'polkalogist' that it's not unusual. Does this "noise" differ depending on how good the amplifier/system is?

MG

Skynut

Originally posted by mgaitonde
Sorry Skynut to cause a headache
But now you know your system could sound even better; just need to find out how to get rid of that hum.

I tried the local Circuit City (CC) to test their systems (Polk specifically). I didn't hear any hum. But there was lot more (external) ambient noise, so I can't really trust the CC test.

My speakers are connected using a 14 gauge speaker cables. Not sure if a better one will get rid of the problem. If so which one?

Regards,
MG

I have to get real close to hear it so it does not really bother me unless I learn how to rid myself of it.

jarros

Yep, slight hiss is common in almost all systems out there. One of the things you might want to try is upgrading cables. If you've got a pre/power setup, hiss is often a result of cheaper interconnects between the preamp and the power amp. Another common place is between the source and preamp/receiver. Basically because these are low level signals, any minor interference caused by other electronics is amplified in poorly-shielded (i.e. cheaper cables) cables. Hiss can also come from within preamps, too, so that's a little harder to aviod without pricey upgrades.

Try to live with it. Most likely you won't be able to pick it out while music is playing, so if you're system is in stand-by you could just mute it.

VR3

Only time I can tell you it would bother me if I press pause on a CD and still hear it from the listening position, or if the quiet portions of songs arnt quiet...beyond that...forget it

mgaitonde

Thank you all for your valued input!

MG