Results 1 to 19 of 19

Thread: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

  1. #1
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    Hi Everyone,
    I am glad there is a Home Theater Forum...I have a problem.

    My Setup...

    I have a Harmon Kardon Reciever, Center Speaker, Four Surround Sound, and a subwoofer.

    Everything was working great for several years.

    The problem I am having is from my center speaker. It omits a low hum constantly. Weather or not I am using a 2/0 signal, or a full 5/1 signal.

    The speaker works with the 5/1, but it still has the hum. but in 2/0 (regular tv) it doesn't work at all(it used too). I may have changed a setting on my reciever, but I have checked all that as much as possible.

    I also checked the connections
    It doesn't matter what setting I use on the receiver (hall, theater1, theater2, etc,) there is still the hum.

    The Center Speaker is a shielded Sony. It hasn't moved location, it's in the same place it has always been.
    The Hum started about a month ago.
    The Hum starts the when I make the connection to the Receiver. With that in mind, I think it is getting a signal from something, but I cannot figure out what. Even when I don't have anything going through the reciever, OR, when I turn the Volume all the way down OR, when I mute, I still get the Hum. The Hum is constant, same volume, and annoying.

    Can someone Hum in try to help?

    Thanks,

    Youngjedi
    Youngjedi


  2. #2
    Captain Weirdo Sid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Athens Greece
    Posts
    24,902
    Thanks
    19,835
    Thanks Received
    28,648

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    i have experienced something similar with an intercom system

    start unplugging things in the room that the speaker is in..

    something similar happened to me with an intercom system and i found out that a multiplug extension cord was the culprit as soon as it was removed from teh plug the hum/interference stopped

    perhaps some new electronic device etc its causing you similar issues

    "I've stopped fighting my inner demons, we are on the same side now."

  3. The following user says "Thanks" to Sid


  4. #3
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    Thanks Sid,

    Tonight, I am going to hook it up to the radio in the basement, and see if I get the same hum...If I do, then I may have a speaker problem. Hopefully not.

    If there is no hum, then I have Isolated the problem to the theater room at least and it gives me hope.
    Youngjedi


  5. #4
    Eye Shooter millermaster1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    712
    Thanks
    2,514
    Thanks Received
    986

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    You may want to try 2 things:

    1) Hook up another speaker to your center channel speaker and see if you still get the humming. At least you can check to see if the speaker is damaged. Any speaker will do for checking.

    2) Some of the high end surge protectors will help with the humming noise. I have a monster one that has helped for my sub, except when I get a email on my blackberry. It will hum everytime my blackberry and sub are in the same room!

    Good Luck!


    Quote Originally Posted by Youngjedi View Post
    Thanks Sid,

    Tonight, I am going to hook it up to the radio in the basement, and see if I get the same hum...If I do, then I may have a speaker problem. Hopefully not.

    If there is no hum, then I have Isolated the problem to the theater room at least and it gives me hope.

  6. #5
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    My Blackberry does the same with my subwoofer. I just keep it about five feet away at least when I am watching TV.

    The Blackberry causes a Pulsing hum. The Center Speaker is a constant.

    Hopefully it's something simple.
    Youngjedi


  7. #6
    Fever Hunter deton8r's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    WA
    Posts
    162
    Thanks
    139
    Thanks Received
    265

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    How loud is the hum? Since it doesn't fluctuate in volume it may be 60hz ground loop hum although I find it unusual that it would be only from your center channel and not all the speakers. I have seen cases where hum is produced by having a/c cords too close to speaker cable or interconnects. Move any power cords or your powerstrip well away from any speaker cables and let us know if that makes any difference.

  8. #7
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    I checked it with another speaker hooked up to the Center on the Harman Kardon. I get the same hum...So, it's not the speakers, or corroded wires.


    Quote Originally Posted by deton8r View Post
    How loud is the hum? Since it doesn't fluctuate in volume it may be 60hz ground loop hum although I find it unusual that it would be only from your center channel and not all the speakers. I have seen cases where hum is produced by having a/c cords too close to speaker cable or interconnects. Move any power cords or your powerstrip well away from any speaker cables and let us know if that makes any difference.
    I will check to see if that is the problem. Nothing has moved as far as the setup goes, it just started happening by itself. I will make sure the wires are isolated from all power sources.
    I will also try a different surge protector.

    Can a 6 outlet strip surge protector (nice one I got..cost about 40 bucks) go bad? It's over 7 years old, and has protected me from brown outs and power losses throughout that time.

    Thank You All so much for your help on this...NOW GO ENJOY THE HOLIDAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONES!!!
    ______________________________________________________
    P.S. It is a steady low hum...does not fluctuate at all.
    Last edited by Youngjedi; 12-23-2008 at 08:10 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
    Youngjedi


  9. #8
    Sandwich Shooter revmondo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    The Death Star MKIII
    Posts
    479
    Thanks
    533
    Thanks Received
    810

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    Did you get any new equipment recently? cable box or bluray?
    Just how many Christmas tree lights are you using in the Theater? Did the hum start right around the time you decorated?

    I doubt its a 60hz ground loop, that would be very odd with just the center affected. It would pretty much be all the speakers. Although you should get close enough to your other speakers to see if they are faintly humming as well. If so PM me and I can send you a little something to try and fix it. We will have to diagnose which component is introducing the hum first.

    This is my line of work (Home Automation & A/V) so imagine my dismay of finding a thread like this mixed in with my hobby...

    If all else fails you can just give them the sheet music.
    Pachinko Captain Solo in the Cargo Bay

  10. The following 2 users say "Thanks" to revmondo


  11. #9
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    Thanks Revmondo for your assistance.

    I just went and unpluged every device one at a time, No difference. I also moved the center speaker and wires away from any other electrical device...no difference. Lastly, I turned off the Christmas tree (it's in another room, but what the hey!)

    I read in a google search that one guy had a similar problem with his receiver, and found that it was "Dry joints in the circuitry". Does that sound like a possibility? his fix was to have them re-soldered.

    All other speaker are perfectly silent. This only affects the center channel on the receiver.
    The speakers are connected with speaker wire (Of course) and on the back of the receiver, there are two screw posts. the wires are "pinched" in to those connectors.
    Youngjedi


  12. #10
    Sandwich Shooter revmondo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    The Death Star MKIII
    Posts
    479
    Thanks
    533
    Thanks Received
    810

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    Unfortunately it sounds like an internal problem. Resoldering the terminals or board is a daunting task. Even the high end stuff is put together sometimes pretty shoddy on the inside. Trying to fix one thing you may break another. But if its past warranty it wouldnt hurt to pop the hood and have a look. Wish I was local and I could stop by to check it out for you. You may check to see if theres a local repair for HK nearby.
    Otherwise you may just want to upgrade.
    Pachinko Captain Solo in the Cargo Bay

  13. #11
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    The Death Star MKIII isn't far away, I'll stand on my roof with my Luke and Vade Sabers and Marshall you in for a landing.

    So, Is there such a thing as Dry Joints in a soldered connection?
    Youngjedi


  14. #12
    Sandwich Shooter revmondo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    The Death Star MKIII
    Posts
    479
    Thanks
    533
    Thanks Received
    810

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    The accurate term is "Cold Solder Joints"
    Here's an interesting link for you:
    Cold Solder Joints: Tracking Down Intermittent Noises And Disappearing Sound
    Pachinko Captain Solo in the Cargo Bay

  15. The following 2 users say "Thanks" to revmondo


  16. #13
    Eye Shooter jc1444's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Duncan, OK
    Posts
    663
    Thanks
    555
    Thanks Received
    239

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    I had the same problem with my subwoffer and I ended up fixing it by fixing a cold solder joint on the circuit board. I found it with a magnifying glass and a lot of looking!

  17. #14
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    That's my next step...Resoldering the joint. I opened up the receiver last night and took the opportunity to dust it out. It is now very clean, but the hum is still there. While I had it opened, I took a look at the components,,,it looks very straight forward to getting to the solder points. I'll give it a try.
    Youngjedi


  18. #15
    Captain Weirdo Sid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Athens Greece
    Posts
    24,902
    Thanks
    19,835
    Thanks Received
    28,648

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    Make sure you have priced a replacement system just in case

    that way you wont be in a panic for what replacement you should get

    "I've stopped fighting my inner demons, we are on the same side now."

  19. #16
    Site Admin Tulsa's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Posts
    19,322
    Thanks
    3,317
    Thanks Received
    9,538

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    I have a Sony I can send you!
    Meanwhile, somewhere in Oklahoma.

  20. #17
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    I took the system downstairs...reconnected the speaker, and found the same problem. I decided not to re-tin the contacts, even though there is an access panel to get to them. I will check out new ones at the store.

    Thanks for the offer Tulsa, The unit I need would have to have Multi room. Let me research this a little more.

    I've found that if I turn up the volume, I won't hear the hum unless there is a silent scene.

    I will pursue this after the Christmas holiday.

    Thanks All!

    Charlie
    Youngjedi


  21. The following 3 users say "Thanks" to Youngjedi


  22. #18
    Captain Weirdo Sid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Athens Greece
    Posts
    24,902
    Thanks
    19,835
    Thanks Received
    28,648

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    Quote Originally Posted by Tulsa View Post
    I have a Sony I can send you!
    why does that not surprise me at all...


    "I've stopped fighting my inner demons, we are on the same side now."

  23. #19
    Kungishi Youngjedi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    18
    Thanks Received
    2,305

    Default Re: Help with my Surround Sound Center Speaker Please

    Here is a quick update...

    I tried everything other than re-soldering the Joints. I took an inventory of the receivers abilities, and what I wanted it to do. The receiver was over 8 years old and didn't have certain capabilities. One was to have Component video go through it. So, With the help from all of you and some advice from Revmondo, I decided to upgrade.

    I picked up the new baby this morning...Denon AVR 1609.

    As soon as I got it home, I connected the center speaker. I thought it was broke, because the speaker didn't even give the slightest hum. Then a connected an audio source. IT Wasn't Broke! It was working perfectly! All the speakers are quiet now and the sound is amazing.

    I watched a battle sequence from LOTR and this Baby delivers better sound than My Harmon Kardon did when it was new.

    Review=AAAAAA++++++++
    Very Satisfied!
    Price = retails for 349.00 at most places, but ABT appliances had it for 299.00. Since they are local, I went and picked it up.

    Thanks to all that helped out...and a big Thank you to Revmondo for the expert advice.

    Charlie
    Youngjedi


  24. The following 8 users say "Thanks" to Youngjedi


Similar Threads

  1. No sound from sound board
    By st1300 in forum Pachislo Technical Support Tickets
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-13-2011, 06:01 PM
  2. Japan Auction Center!?
    By MrGneiss in forum These are the days of our lives...
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 12-29-2008, 04:45 AM
  3. NUG - Research Center
    By DDtAM in forum Model Talk
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-11-2008, 01:23 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •