Hiss from Denon 3805 receiver/Definitive Mythos I speakers

[rheostat]

I can hear a hissing sound coming from my speakers when I play cds at moderately high volumes. I know that there is *some* hiss on all cds, but what I am hearing seems excessive. Additionally, when I pause a cd, the speakers are silent. I am using a Denon 3805 receiver; Definitive Mythos speakers (Mythos 1 fronts); and an inexpensive Pioneer DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio player.

Is this (1) something I just need to live with b/c CDs suck; (2) a problem that some cds have, but others should be fine (I have not had time to do much experimenting; (3) a problem with the signal/noise ratio on my DVD player (which I am using to play cds); or (4) a problem with my receiver’s processing?

I originally heard the problem with an old cd (The Doors - self titled). I tried experimenting with a more recent cd, (AFI - Sing the Sorrow), and it *may* have sounded better. I also tried using the direct/pure direct settings on the receiver. It was, however, hard to do any real testing at the time (b/c my 5-month old needed to go to sleep). I originally assumed that the silence I observe when a cd is paused means the problem is the source (cd), not the DVD player or receiver. However, it appears that the Denon 3805 kills the signal to the speakers when no input is detected so my conclusion is not necessarily valid.

I intend to do more troubleshooting, but any suggestions or explanations would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BeerMe]

I have a 3805 and I had a noise problem but it was an earthing problem with my tv antenna, I earthed the splitter and it was gone.

What you might be getting is an interference from somwhere in your home or the power from the grid. If it's not already done connect the audio cable with an optical lead to remove that as a fault. If that doesn't work see if you can borrow a player from a friend to see if that's the problem, you could always try earthing the player to see if that does anything.

Try these things as they are quick and won't cost anything before you go and look at getting a power conditioner to remove any EMI or RFI that might be the cause.

I hope I helped you, good luck.

John.

 

[Duffinator]

Rheostat, how do the Mythos One's sound with the Denon 3805? Do you have a sub with them? If so which one? I've been looking at those speakers and have demo'd them. I have a special need for thin speakers flanking my HT niche where my entertainment center is located and those fit the bill beautifully. They are also very high on the WAF. Check this thread for a picture of my HT and you will see why.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4847

Thanks

 

[rheostat]

Thanks for the advice BeerMe - After playing around a bit more yesterday, I *think* the problem is the source material / dvd player, not the receiver. I tested it out with some cds that I knew to be recorded well and with a SACD. Neither exhibited the hissing I observed earlier. (A slight hiss was evident at high volumes, but only if I was within 2 feet of the speakers - and no, it was not a good idea to be putting my head within 2 feet of a speaker at high volume). Hopefully today I am going to hook up an old cd changer to se how that sounds. While comforting that the new receiver/speakers don't have a problem, it does not make me happy that all of my old Doors and Zeppelin cds were so poorly mastered to cd to have so much background noise.

Duffinator - I'm running Mythos One fronts, Mythos Three center and Mythos Gem surrounds- my subwoofer is the Supercube I. I think they sound great, but I am probably not the best judge of audio quality (yet). And yes, my wife likes both their look and sound.