Troubleshooting Buzzing Sounds in Speakers: Causes and Solutions

Speakers, when functioning correctly, should be a conduit for clear and rich audio experiences. However, for many users, a vexing buzzing sound can arise, especially at low volumes. This article delves into the common causes behind this issue and provides practical solutions to eliminate the annoying buzz in your system.

Understanding the Buzzing Sound

When your speakers emit a buzzing sound, it may be due to various factors. The first step in troubleshooting is to identify the root cause of the issue. Common culprits include:

Power Supply Hum: The buzzing could be caused by a hum from the power supply. A poor filtering mechanism can introduce an unwanted 60 Hz hum into your audio system. This hum is usually masked by louder music, but can be heard clearly when the volume is low. Ground Loop: Incorrect grounding can introduce a ground hum into your audio system, causing a buzzing noise. This issue can be exacerbated if your turntable or other equipment is not properly grounded. Damaged Speaker Cone: The cone of the speaker could be damaged or burned due to exposure to extreme heat, such as sunlight. When the cone is damaged, it can struggle to move correctly, leading to a buzzing sound.

Identifying the Source of the Buzzing Sound

Here are some steps to help you identify the source of the buzzing sound:

Check for Power Supply Hum: Short the audio input terminals together to see if the sound is eliminated. If it still buzzes, it is likely power supply ripple. A budget power supply or inadequate input screening can contribute to this issue. Check Speaker Connections: Ensure that your speaker cables are not run in parallel with power cables. Parallel runs can lead to induced noise on the signal lines. If you must run power cables near signal lines, use shielded cables and ensure they cross at right angles to minimize inductive pick-up. Check Signal Path Components: Disconnect components in the signal path and short the disconnected inputs to ground to identify the component responsible for the buzzing. If the buzzing disappears, the component you disconnected is likely the source. Power Amplifier Check: If the buzzing is coming from the power amplifier, check the ripple on the power supply. A well-designed amplifier should have a ripple level of less than a volt. If you are seeing 10s of volts of ripple, the power supply in the power amplifier likely has a problem, such as a failed capacitor.

Preventive Measures and Recommendations

To prevent buzzing sounds from reoccurring, consider the following recommendations:

Filtered Power Source: Invest in a better filtered power source to minimize hum and noise. Proper Grounding: Ensure all components, especially the turntable and amplifier, are properly grounded to the receiver or preamplifier to eliminate ground loops and buzzes. Use Shielded Cables: Use shielded interconnecting cables to reduce noise induction between signal lines and power cables. Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your speakers, amplifiers, and other audio components to prevent cone damage or other issues.

Conclusion

Speaker buzzing, while initially frustrating, can be a symptom of various issues within your audio system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify and resolve the source of the buzzing sound, ultimately improving the performance and enjoyment of your audio equipment.