Currently I have a Sharp XL-HP404 "Micro Component System" with my old pair of AIWA SX-F20 bookshelf speakers hooked up to one of my PCs, but if the volume on the stereo is set to anything above 6 (the maximum volume level is 30), there is a constant buzz which isn't very loud but definitely ruins any sound which comes out.

I have done some looking around for a solution (ie. around the board and some Googling), but have been unsuccessful in fixing the problem. Basically, I've discovered that the problem could be EMR (Electromagnetic radiation) or poor earthing/grounding. So I tried I tried setting up the stereo unit in different areas of the house (not through the computer, and away from any electronic equipment), as well as trying the Sharp speakers that came with the stereo, but everything I've tried has failed and I continue to hear a buzz through either set of speakers.

Edit #1: I'm not too sure if trying different locations around the house really addresses the whole earthing/grounding issue as the power lead has only two prongs. Although, I didn't think it should be a problem as Sharp would (should) have used an earth prong if it was to be an issue.

Can anyone please help me out with this irritating problem?

Thanks.

Edit #1: Just added a little more on the earthing/grounding issue.

The buzz comes from both speakers? It's independent of any input selection? It doesn't matter where you are in the house? If this is all correct then I think you have a power supply fault in there. Somrthing is allowing excessive 100 Hz ripple into the audio circuits.

Yes.


Sorry, I'm not too sure what you mean by that. But, the buzzing occurs when the volume is above 6 when set up through the Video/AUX, playing a CD and even when nothing is playing.


That's right. Anywhere I test the setup, I still get the buzzing in both speakers.


Is there anyway that I'm able to correct this if it is the cause of the problem?

Sorry, just bumping as the problem has changed slightly. Now, the buzzing is alot quieter when nothing is playing and when other inputs than Video/AUX are selected. It's soft enough to not notice if I am playing something. Although, I'm still getting the irritating buzzing when Video/AUX is selected and the volume is set to anything above level 6 (out of 30).

Do you think it may simply be a faulty stereo?

Any assistance or solutions are much appreciated. Thanks.

Are you sure that the stereo and PC are on the same circuit? (Try to have them both plugged into the same socket if possible). Try disconnecting everything unnecessary from the PC (printers, monitors etc) to see if there's any difference. Also, check that the RCA cable you're using isn't faulty, and is grounding properly at both ends.

Is there an antenna connected to any device connected to your amp? If yes, unplug antenna. If the buss is gone, you need a sheath current filter (I hope this is the right name in english, in german it's Mantelstromfilter)

The cause for the buzz probably is that there are 2 ore more connections to ground. A pc is always grounded and the shield of antenna cables too.

Thanks for the reply david_dl. They're on the same circuit and I tried them in the same socket with everything unnecessary disconnect, but this didn't rectify the problem. The RCA cable is fine and it is correctly grounded.



Thanks for replying Sunhillow. No antenna is connected, I never use it.