Speaker Hiss Question

[camhabib]

I just purchased a Polk I-Sonic ES2 system. The sound is great except for one small issue. When the speaker is turned up full volume and is set to either iPod or Aux In, either with or without something pugged in in both cases, a rather loud hiss (sounds just like a "shhhhhh" sound) can be heard from the speakers. It can also be heard when a song is playing and the music dies down a bit (for example, at the begging or end of a song). The sound isn't present when volume is at 50% or lower, just above half. Is this normal behavior of a system or is there something wrong? Thanks.

 

[TLS Guy]

I just purchased a Polk I-Sonic ES2 system. The sound is great except for one small issue. When the speaker is turned up full volume and is set to either iPod or Aux In, either with or without something pugged in in both cases, a rather loud hiss (sounds just like a "shhhhhh" sound) can be heard from the speakers. It can also be heard when a song is playing and the music dies down a bit (for example, at the begging or end of a song). The sound isn't present when volume is at 50% or lower, just above half. Is this normal behavior of a system or is there something wrong? Thanks.

That is less than spectacular signal to noise ratio, but I would say pretty typical for a device like that.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

I can't say if it's normal for that system, but that's not unprecedented behavior from an all-in-unit in that price range. Are there any other inputs on that unit, and if so, do you get the hiss if it is set to one of those inputs?

 

[camhabib]

That is less than spectacular signal to noise ratio, but I would say pretty typical for a device like that.

Thanks for the quick reply. I figured it was a normal behavior rather then a defect. Considering I paid $250 for the system (got it at discount, down from MSRP of $500), is there any speaker set, not necessarily HD Radio, iPod, alarm clock, etc, that is of a higher quality?

 

[camhabib]

Welcome to the forum!

I can't say if it's normal for that system, but that's not unprecedented behavior from an all-in-unit in that price range. Are there any other inputs on that unit, and if so, do you get the hiss if it is set to one of those inputs?

I have a pair of Shure SE420 headphones (I'm assuming their good enough quality to be able to test an output of a system like this), but when plugged into the headphone jack of the system, there is not only the same hiss which increases with volume, but also a second consistently loud hiss which is different in sound and pattern.

 

[Adam]

I have a pair of Shure SE420 headphones (I'm assuming their good enough quality to be able to test an output of a system like this), but when plugged into the headphone jack of the system, there is not only the same hiss which increases with volume, but also a second consistently loud hiss which is different in sound and pattern.

The hiss is caused by the amplifier in the box, not the speakers or the headphones. If the hiss bothers you (and, honestly, it would drive me nuts), I'd suggest returning the unit if you can and look for something else. I see that you've asked if there's anything better out there for the price. You could get a lower level receiver and pair of speakers that shouldn't have that hiss for about $250.

 

[camhabib]

The hiss is caused by the amplifier in the box, not the speakers or the headphones. If the hiss bothers you (and, honestly, it would drive me nuts), I'd suggest returning the unit if you can and look for something else. I see that you've asked if there's anything better out there for the price. You could get a lower level receiver and pair of speakers that shouldn't have that hiss for about $250.

The hiss is driving me somewhat crazy. I've seen setups like the Bose Companion 3 Series II, which go at the $250 price point. Is there anything better then the Bose at that price or should I just go with those? I'm open for any suggestions, I'm pretty new to all this stuff.

 

[Adam]

The hiss is driving me somewhat crazy. I've seen setups like the Bose Companion 3 Series II, which go at the $250 price point. Is there anything better then the Bose at that price or should I just go with those? I'm open for any suggestions, I'm pretty new to all this stuff.

Prepare yourself for the Bose haters...

It really depends on what you are looking for out of this. If you want something that is small and an all-in-one unit, that's one thing. If you just want a system that costs about $250, that's another.

One idea is to get an Onkyo 505 receiver for about $200 (or any receiver in that price range) and some relatively inexpensive bookshelf speakers (Circuit City had a pair of Sony bookshelves for $40 last week). Frys.com puts Polk floorstanders on sale quite often, sometimes at around $65/speaker once you include shipping.

 

[camhabib]

Prepare yourself for the Bose haters...

It really depends on what you are looking for out of this. If you want something that is small and an all-in-one unit, that's one thing. If you just want a system that costs about $250, that's another.

One idea is to get an Onkyo 505 receiver for about $200 (or any receiver in that price range) and some relatively inexpensive bookshelf speakers (Circuit City had a pair of Sony bookshelves for $40 last week). Frys.com puts Polk floorstanders on sale quite often, sometimes at around $65/speaker once you include shipping.

Adam, I actually just purchased a Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH amp for downstairs, for use with a surround sound system. I had a company come in and install the entire system for me, and I have to say, it is quite possibly the best sounding system I have ever heard (even tho I'm sure most of you have stuff that could blow my setup away). I think its one of the reasons why I'm now so picky with this Polk setup now. That said, I'm more looking for something for my office, not an all in one type solution, but more of a plug and play, without separate amps, speakers, etc. Its going to be used to play music off of my computer and ipod mainly. Nothing amazing, but I just want something that doesn't sound like a $5 wal-mart special compared to my other system, without spending a fortune.

 

[TheFactor]

Congrats on your Pioneer Elite purchase, I too have one and totaly love everything about its very impressive so dont under estimate it I think it would probably keep up with more receivers than you'd think. Its definitely a power house and produces some clean and crystal clear sound. That should definitely take the sting out of your hissing entry level polk setup. Anyway congrats and welcome To Team Elite BTW What speakers are you running and oh ya welcome to the forum, I've never met so many kind and helpful folks before except for here on audioholics

 

[Adam]

I agree with TF - congrats on the Elite! That's better than my receiver.

If this is mainly for your computer room, have you considered getting a set of computer speakers? They make some that aren't too shaby. You can get surround sound systems, 2.1 systems, or just 2.0 systems. Some even allow for two sets of inputs (so, your computer plus something else).

 

[camhabib]

I agree with TF - congrats on the Elite! That's better than my receiver.

If this is mainly for your computer room, have you considered getting a set of computer speakers? They make some that aren't too shaby. You can get surround sound systems, 2.1 systems, or just 2.0 systems. Some even allow for two sets of inputs (so, your computer plus something else).

The I-Sonic was somewhat in that computer speaker direction. It has an HD radio built into it, plus allows for an aux input which i hooked up to my computers output. The only problem was the hiss it produces. I have a set of nicer Boston Acoustic speakers, but compared to my system downstairs, it just doesn't compare, hence my search for a new one.

Does anyone have a recommendation of a system, like the Bose Companion 3, that is of a similar price range but better quality?

 

[Rickster71]

Does anyone have a recommendation of a system, like the Bose Companion 3, that is of a similar price range but better quality?

Hi cam,
Check this link Audioengine makes some nice powered speakers.
I have the A5's, though the A2's are in your price range, and are very good.
http://audioengineusa.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=79
Also, if Bose is charging $249 you can rest assured it's worth about $49.