Getting strange hiss sound from CD Micro HiFi - What is it?

[s162216]

Hi,

I recently inherited my sisters Philips MC150 micro hifi system after she got rid of it saying that 'CD's are so crap compared to an ipod' My micro hifi CD motor had broken, so I took it for myself. I only really use my micro hifi when I want some soft music without the hassle of using my HT.

I set the system up and put a CD in, just wanting some background music. When the CD started playing though, there was very detectable hissing static like sound coming from both speakers. It made listening to the CD difficult at low volumes and was still detectable when the music was quite loud as well. It does exactly the same thing with the tape player and radio as well.

I reconnected all the speakers and tried again, exactly the same sound. I then tried it with another set of speakers, exactly the same sound again. Its not like mains hum, it more like the static sound you get from LP's.

Anybody have any suggestions?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I could be wrong, but I usually associate "hissing speaker" noise to bad signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which equals to bad or defective product.

 

[s162216]

As far as I know my sister has never had a problem with it. Philips usually does quite good stuff.

 

[markw]

From what you say, it works great if you don't use the CD, tape player, or radio. Just avoid those functions and you'll be fine.

ADTG was right. It's either an internal problem with the unit or a design fault and perhaps your sister was less picky than you. Just replace the unit.

 

[Vintage_Hi-Fi]

I does sound like a SNR issue and for what it's worth micro all in one "Hifi" systems are pretty much junk, sacrificing product and sonic quality for affordability. You'd be better off looking up some vintage gear on craigslist, if you have the space that is .

 

[s162216]

I does sound like a SNR issue and for what it's worth micro all in one "Hifi" systems are pretty much junk, sacrificing product and sonic quality for affordability. You'd be better off looking up some vintage gear on craigslist, if you have the space that is .

No point for me, for any serious music listening I use my HT. Just when I want to have some light backround music, listen to a tape or the radio do I use my micro. I have to be the most unlucky guy with them though. I got a perfectly working Alba system, where the CD lid latch broke (not ammused). Then I got given... another cheap Alba system with no taoe player in it. The laser and motor went defect. (Never getting Alba again) So now I get a nice Phillips system, where I assumed that for once nothing would go wrong(Yeah right).

 

[Vintage_Hi-Fi]

I have to be the most unlucky guy with them though. I got a perfectly working Alba system, where the CD lid latch broke (not ammused). Then I got given... another cheap Alba system with no taoe player in it. The laser and motor went defect. (Never getting Alba again) So now I get a nice Phillips system, where I assumed that for once nothing would go wrong(Yeah right).

Again micro systems cut costs and are generally to be avoid. If you really want a system for background or everyday listening may I suggest maybe some nice PC speakers and you can use your PC as you everyday music player.

 

[markw]

The above post makes a lot of sense. With that, you can use any source that has a headphne jack. We use one of 'em at our son's house when we visut. Works with the CD player (with built-in tuner), MP3 player, and a tape unit.

 

[s162216]

Again micro systems cut costs and are generally to be avoid. If you really want a system for background or everyday listening may I suggest maybe some nice PC speakers and you can use your PC as you everyday music player.

If you read my signature, you may work out that my HT is my HTPC connected to my receiver by coax (using DD Live), so that I can great sound from my PC games. Way better than the previous creative 2.1 system I had.

I'll just buy another system, but a bit better this time. Probably a mini instead as they have better sound quality in my experience for about the same price. If that fails, then I will just have to get another.

Thinking about this one: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001801/partNumber/5139907.htm#tabrev