I have some old speakers in the house that I wanted to test. So instead of messing with the real stereo unit from the 80s, I bought a $30 stereo from Amazon, and new speaker wire.

The speakers sound okay, but there’s a hum coming from them all the time. Even with the stereo volume knob turned all the way down. Is this normal for stereo systems and I just haven’t noticed?

  • TryingSomethingNew@sopuli.xyz
    3·
    2 days ago

    Looks more like bad design unless there’s a ton of other cables or if some of your cords/cables are in loops. I just checked my amp/preamp, and surprisingly they’re not using grounded plugs either, and it’s fairly high-end gear.

    Only other thoughts:

    • plugging directly into the wall if you’re plugged into a surge protector, or plugging into a Surge protector if you are plugged into the wall.
    • I would also try moving the volume up and down a little bit because I’ve seen gear where that caused hum issues (god knows why).
    • try plugging in a source in case they’re somehow using the connectivity to other gear to provide the grounding (grasping at straws here).

    Unfortunately, it’s been long enough since I’ve dealt with ground hum issues that the I’ve forgotten all the tricks. :( You might need to find an audiophile group. Because even cheap-ass gear shouldn’t do that.

    • sem@piefed.blahaj.zoneOPEnglish
      2·
      1 day ago

      I’ll try the tricks! I’m betting the volume knob / potentiometer is a cause.

      Update: twiddling the knob does nothing.