Eliminate speakers hum?

[armaggedonlight]

I have the harman kardon soundsticks 2 plugged into the same power strip as my laptop. Recently (a few days after coming home for break) I started noticing that the speakers are emitting a low hum that gets louder if i turn the volume higher.

The hum/buzz sound like white noise from the satellite speakers and a very low-frequency constant tone from the subwoofer.

There is still a buzz even when I mute the volume completely or unplug the speakers, or plug the speakers into an internally powered device such as my ipod, but it is barely noticeable.

When I plug it into my laptop, the buzz is magnified and dependent on the volume.

I tried plugging the speakers into a separate wall jack, but the problem persists. If I mute the speakers themselves the buzz goes away.

 

[highfigh]

I have the harman kardon soundsticks 2 plugged into the same power strip as my laptop. Recently (a few days after coming home for break) I started noticing that the speakers are emitting a low hum that gets louder if i turn the volume higher.

The hum/buzz sound like white noise from the satellite speakers and a very low-frequency constant tone from the subwoofer.

There is still a buzz even when I mute the volume completely or unplug the speakers, or plug the speakers into an internally powered device such as my ipod, but it is barely noticeable.

When I plug it into my laptop, the buzz is magnified and dependent on the volume.

I tried plugging the speakers into a separate wall jack, but the problem persists. If I mute the speakers themselves the buzz goes away.

How old are they? If they're under warranty, take them back. A ground lifted, either partially or completely and that's causing the hum. Make sure the cable is plugged in fully before doing anything else.

 

[armaggedonlight]

They should still be under warranty, it's only been a couple of months since I got them. The cable is plugged in securely, I double checked a few times.

What causes grounding lifting that I should be aware of in case I do get them exchanged?

 

[highfigh]

They should still be under warranty, it's only been a couple of months since I got them. The cable is plugged in securely, I double checked a few times.

What causes grounding lifting that I should be aware of in case I do get them exchanged?

It's possible that stress on a jack or circuit board caused the foil to break. If no external indication is seen, it could be in the cord, where the cords connect to the circuit board or maybe a connector. As long as they're not hung by the cords or bounced around, tehy should work.

Either way, I would exchange them if they're under warranty.

 

[armaggedonlight]

Hmm, maybe something to damaged when I brought them home from school. Ok I'll look into getting them replaced, thanks for your help. :]