Matt Mackenzie Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 Hi guys, I have in-ceiling speakers which are signature brand ones, connect to my c4 system. when the speakers are off they are constantly buzzing/humming. This is in different zones. I have changed the speakers and the buzzing remains. does anyone have any suggestions on what could cause this? could it be wiring/cables? thanks matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mstafford388 Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 It could be the amp, cables, a grounding issue, or the source. I would unplug all the audio cables coming into the amp and see if it goes away. If not it's an amp or grounding issue with the amp. If it does go away it's likely a bad cable or source, which you should be able to track down by plugging things back in one by one. Matt Mackenzie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Mackenzie Posted July 13, 2021 Author Share Posted July 13, 2021 Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekohn00 Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 Sounds like a grounding loop. Is the Amp plugged into a seperate outlet than the source devices. If so, try plugging everything into the same outlet. Matt Mackenzie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Mackenzie Posted July 13, 2021 Author Share Posted July 13, 2021 The buzzing is coming from speakers in different rooms and different zones on the triad c4 Amp. I think all the speakers are hardwired into the amp.. does this make sense? I’m not an expert! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekohn00 Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 1. Remove all inputs to AMP - do you still hear buzzing? (if so may not have been a grounding loop). 2. swap the connections from a buzzing speaker and non-buzzing speaker. Does the buzz follow the speaker or stay in the room. (if it follows the speaker, it's a speaker issue). The next steps are more time consuming, but first check the OHMS on speakers. I'd also wonder if rooms are cabled in Serial, which changes the resistance. If after 2 buzz stays in a room - do you have in-wall volume control too? this can be an issue. But i'd also remove all connected speakers except the one buzzing. If it's still buzzing and only one speaker one connection and proper resistance, i'd think there's a problem with the AMP. Id also play with the AMP volume, by chance are some rooms maxed and that's where the hum is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Mackenzie Posted July 13, 2021 Author Share Posted July 13, 2021 Thank you @ekohn00much appreciated. currently every speaker is buzzing - a total of 10 speakers across 4 zones. I wilL start following the advice you have given, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekohn00 Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 37 minutes ago, Matt Mackenzie said: Thank you @ekohn00much appreciated. currently every speaker is buzzing - a total of 10 speakers across 4 zones. i thought you implied only some. i'd definately remove all inputs to the amp....see if they still buzz. then i'd check volume levels. It's a little harder, but also confirm only one speaker per terminal. lastly remove all but one. good luck! Matt Mackenzie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OceanDad Posted July 13, 2021 Share Posted July 13, 2021 Assuming that you are using an amp like a C4/Triad 4 zone or 8 zone, try turning the GAIN control screw all the way down on one zone and see if it cures the problem in that zone. If so, there's your answer, and you can turn it back up to whatever level you like, before the buzzing is audible. But, as already noted, it could be a ground loop or a power cable that's running too close to a badly shielded audio cable etc. Matt Mackenzie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lippavisual Posted July 14, 2021 Share Posted July 14, 2021 Cable boxes are also notorious for introducing ground loops. If applicable, check to see if your incoming tap is grounded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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