Crackling sound/interference coming from speakers

mran

New Member
Hi everyone, I purchased a new computer from Amazon in September and when I connected it to my amplifier and switched the amp on, there was a crackling sound coming from the speakers, regardless of how high I set the volume. Using the scroll wheel on my wireless mouse intensified the sound which evidenced that it caused interference. The company that sold the computer (through Amazon) suggested using a shielded cable, which I tried but it made no difference.

I sent the computer back and got a different one from Amazon and now I have the exact same problem. The amp is an SPL 300 series connected to two Kef speakers and the computer brand is OCHW, with an AMD processor. Does anyone have any advice about getting rid of the noise?
 
What're the specs?
It depends on where your audio is coming from (like the mobo to the amp to the speakers or a sound card to the amp to the speakers)
Audio that comes from a mobo (or even soundcard) can get electrical interference if it is not shielded within the mobo itself
Have you tried a different sample rate?
 

mran

New Member
What're the specs?
It depends on where your audio is coming from (like the mobo to the amp to the speakers or a sound card to the amp to the speakers)
Audio that comes from a mobo (or even soundcard) can get electrical interference if it is not shielded within the mobo itself
Have you tried a different sample rate?

I had to look up the term mobo.

Anyway, I'm fairly sure the audio is coming from the sound card but I will investigate. And no I haven't tried a different sample rate but I will do (if I can). What sort of specs do you mean?
 
I had to look up the term mobo.

Anyway, I'm fairly sure the audio is coming from the sound card but I will investigate. And no I haven't tried a different sample rate but I will do (if I can). What sort of specs do you mean?

Specifically what motherboard and sound card you have
Once in a blue moon I get crackling from my sound card and I change the sample rate to something else and then back to where it was.
In windows 10 it'll let you set it by right clicking the volume button>open volume mixer>Advanced
 
Specifically what motherboard and sound card you have
Once in a blue moon I get crackling from my sound card and I change the sample rate to something else and then back to where it was.
In windows 10 it'll let you set it by right clicking the volume button>open volume mixer>Advanced

Also, since this is a new pc you might need to install your audio drivers (if you han't already)
The most recent one on the manufacturers site should be used
 

mran

New Member
OK, I've tried every sample rate available and none of them made a difference. I think the audio drivers are already installed because the PC does produce sound, but crackles simultaneously.
 
OK, I've tried every sample rate available and none of them made a difference. I think the audio drivers are already installed because the PC does produce sound, but crackles simultaneously.
Hmm, outside the drivers that has me stumped :/
It's either that or your getting interference from something electrical inside or outside the case
Anyone have any ideas?​
 

Cromewell

Administrator
Staff member
Is there a reason you can't just use the sound card 3.5mm outputs?

I can only guess at the source..

Pops and cracks are generally from the cable/connections. Dirty contacts are common causes. Pops and cracks when adjusting volume are usually dirty pots.

Hiss is usually poor components or interference.

Beeps, which might be easily confused with pops are interference. Interference could come in transit or internal to the amp depending on its design.

Since your mouse is wireless, I'd expect interference on any signal from the mouse not just the wheel if it were the (only) cause.
 

mran

New Member
Is there a reason you can't just use the sound card 3.5mm outputs?

Thanks I'll try that if I can. I have other things near by that could cause interference like a wireless keyboard and an Amazon echo spot.

EDIT: ok, I've used an Ultra-DI 2 channel splitter between the computer and the amp which seems to have solved the problem. Note that it requires a 9 volt battery.
 
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