static out of my polk speakers

arbata
arbata Posts: 10
edited November 2008 in Speakers
Just purchased my first audio equipment since about 1994. I bought a pair of Polk LSI 25s, an LSI C, a used Anthem MCA30 amp, and I am waiting on my Outlaw processor to come in. Hooked up my amp to speakers with gold-plated banana clips, using 16G Monster wire. Since I don't have my processor yet, I hooked up my DVD/Cd player (unassuming model), directly to my amp's inputs. I listened to my first CD with the setup and was blown away by the clarity, considering I just upgraded from a HiFi system that was otherwise known as my alarm clock. I did notice there was a faint static sound coming out of the speakers that was audible before the music started, and I believe I continued to hear it in the background throughout. Is this normal for a high-powered system that is turned on? The volume control is only thru the CD Player for now, and even at the lowest setting, the music was pretty loud. Could it be my cheap Shinsonic 5-disc player, is it "dirty" electricity, or is this normal? I am not using any power conditioner.

Also, the LED light on the back of the speakers remains on (green color), even after I turn off my system. The power toggle switch is set to auto. Does this mean the built-in sub is still drawing power?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Post edited by arbata on
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Comments

  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited November 2008
    Welcome to the forum. Are your Polk speakers new? Also, have you cleaned the RCA inputs/outputs on any of the used gear? Sometimes just cleaning the inputs/outputs will solve such an issue. Caig De-Oxit is your friend and can be found at any Radio Shack dealer
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • arbata
    arbata Posts: 10
    edited November 2008
    My speakers are new. I haven't cleaned the RCA connections on my used gear, but I will do it and see if it makes a difference. I haven't noticed a difference between the speakers in the amount of static noise they produce though, so I don't know if the connections are the problem.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited November 2008
    If the speakers are new, I'm about 99.9% positive that the static is from the connections. Try cleaning all connections with Caig De-Oxit, following the instructions and enjoy your new system.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • arbata
    arbata Posts: 10
    edited November 2008
    Thanks for the tip. I just hooked up my computer to the amp, and the static noise is less noticable that way. The MP3 is really lacking in depth though!
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