Static Issue

[bigmarc66]

Hey guys I have a static issue with my reciever. I have a JVC reciever (RX-718V) and just two sony speakers(SS-MB350H). I dont have the reciever set to surround sound or anything. I use the reciever to play music from my computer/ipod, or with my guitar. I seem to get static when I plug my cable(a regular input cable with a 2-1 connector down to a 1/8" stereo jack) into the jack on my laptop. I get the static when the laptop volume is up beyond 2 bars, the speakers just get all staticy. If i keep the laptop low, keep Itunes low, and turn the reciever high it is fine, but there is a problem. If I am on the computer and something external comes on with its own volume level, then there is horrible static and this cant be good for the speakers. I get the same issue with my Ipod, volume up on Ipod static through speakers. I have a friend who has a full system and he said he can trun the ipod all the way up and have no problems. Sorry for being so long, but is their anything I can do about this.

Thanks, Marcus

 

[markw]

Try one thing at a time.

I'm not familar with that particular receiver, but here's what I would do.

you're not plugging it into a phono input, are you? If so, take it out and plug it into an "AUX" input.

Then if the problem persists, I'd replace the cable.

Make sure that it has two male RCA jacks on one end and that 1/8" stereo mini-plug on the other side. Go to RatShack and tell them what you intend to do with it. Unless they are totally brain-dead they should make sure you've got what you need.

With the receiver powered down, connect the RCA jacks of this cable to a high level "AUX" (not a phono) input of the receiver.

Next. take your Ipod or a portable CD player and plug the mini-plug into the output of the portable device. Make sure it's running on battery power for now.

Turn the receiver on and select the "AUX" input.

If you've all done this as directed and it still screws up, then the receiver is kaputz.

 

[bigmarc66]

That was it, something as simple as that. I had it hooked up to the phono slot. Switched it around and it worked like a charm. I dont even want to know what kind of damage I might have done, but what makes the phono jack so different, what is its purpose. Thank You so much for that.

 

[markw]

what makes the phono jack so different, what is its purpose.

"line level" devices such as tape decks, CD players and headphone outputs of portable devices have output that can range up to several volts, and the AUX input is made to accomodate these.

A phono cartridge has output in the milli-volt (.001 volt) range and requires additional amplification stages. Also, it applies a special "RIAA equalization" to the phono signal so it sounds "right".

When you plug a line level device into a phono stage, it's easily over-driven and you just heard what that sounds like. Most likely no damage was done but consider it a lesson learned cheaply.

enjoy...