Speakers emitting a noise?

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

My Dell 5650 speakers seem to be emitting this... noise of some sort. I can't exactly put my hand on it, but it's very audible. I'm not talking about your lightly audible speaker hiss when it doesn't have a signal. This happens when they're playing music or on idle (still on though).

Any ideas? I think it's like dying (coming from the center channel only) or it's getting some sort of interference.

[[Dr. V]]

Isn't that what they're supposed to do?

=P

I know exactly what you're talking about, and it's either a problem with the physical speaker (as you suggested) or your sound driver.

Now, if it magically started happening after it was working perfectly, then its 99% your hardware. Especially if the sound driver is 100% the most recent one, then the hardware has a slight flaw.

I'm sure there is a good warranty for them through Dell.

If not, grab a Logitech X530 or X540. X540s in my opinion waste of money and look a bit worse (but same speakers). I have a set of X530s, couldn't be happier!

Good Luck!

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Yeah, they were working fine and now this sound.

I think it's only a year warranty though, so I'm out of that. Might as well save up and buy the Z-5500s while I'm at it.

[gvblake22]

Does it get louder if you turn up the volume? Have you tried connecting the speakers to a different source to see if the noise persists?

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

Does it get louder if you turn up the volume? Have you tried connecting the speakers to a different source to see if the noise persists?

No, the sound is the same at any volume. I'll try hooking up my iPod and we'll see.

I have this adapter I'm using right now. It goes from the three 5.1 cables from speakers (yellow, black, green) to a single 2.1 connection (green). It came with these speakers. Maybe I should try it w/o it to see if it helps.

[[Dr. V]]

Ooh see when we say ALL the information possible ;-)

That adapter could most definitely be the source of the problem. Depending on the quality of the adapter it could definitely be degrading the quality of the speakers - especially if the level of the noise emission is constant at every volume.

Try it with a few other devices, and if your motherboard permits, try plugging them all into the back of the motherboard.

If your motherboard does not permit ^^ then just plug the green one from the original 3 cables into the back of it, and test the front speakers of the 5. We'll get this sorted out one way or another, don't you worry.

Cheers.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

I have integrated audio, so I use the mobo. Uh, OK, so with the adapter gone, I put a speaker next to my ear and tried the effects of turning up the volume. At low volumes, you hear that sound (kinda sounds like Pop Rocks in your mouth). At the highest volume, I get the sound you sorta get when you get termites on your TV (without a signal).

I have a feeling my wireless card is having an effect on it too... I'll mess around with the antennas.

Damnit.

I just heard it again. Using the adapter. Problem with not using the adapter is that the rear channels don't work. WTF?

Gah, WTF is wrong.

________________
EDIT:

OK. I searched the Dell forums.

Turns out that an wireless interference can affect the speakers, because the sub/amp is terribly shielded. I just added a MIMO wireless card, so that's definitely the problem.

I need to move the sub/amp then.

OK, cool. So I moved the sub from right behind the computer (man, that was really hot back there) to the left side of the desk, approximately 5 feet distance. No interference now! :). Just my crappy sub rattling on deep bass...

Haha, I still need new speakers eventually.

Thanks for the help you two.

EDIT: Two more things.
1. You don't think putting my sub on the side will cause a problem, would it?
2. Any ideas on why the rear channels won't work without the adapter? I have Sigmatel drivers installed that were made for Vista. I'm confuzzled.

[gvblake22]

I would not put it too close to your system. The subs have large magnets, which can obviously corrupt a hard drive or cause other interference.

[Pete]

Cell phone interference?

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Yeah, I'm surprised I never thought about the sub magnet and hard drives....

No, it was definitely interference from my wireless card. I would never think it could be affected from my cell.