problem with static noise... - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Anouk · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2008, 11:51 AM

Hello, I have a headroom ultra desktop with the dsp power supply and the stepped attenuator. I use it with kimber usb cable and the dimarzio rca cables to connect to my poweramp which is non-headroom. I use siltech speaker cables.
It works fine with my big home pc, but now I use it with my laptop because my pc is out of the running. My laptop is a toshiba tecra a9 and it runs windows xp (it used to run vista but I am happily rid of that now). It works fine if I use it with headphones only but as soon as I turn on my speakers i get a LOT of interference. It works ok if I remove the usb connector from the laptop and connect it to my tv receiver through optical but as soon as I plug in the usb connector I get the noise, even though i do not actively use the usb itself. If I turn off the poweramp everything works fine again...
I am using the seem cables as with my computer so I suppose the problem is with my laptop but I find it strange because it works fine if I use my headphone only....
Greetings, Anouk,

Anouk · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2008, 01:19 PM

Hello everyone, I fixed my own problem in the end after all. My laptop is connected to a power adaptor with surge protector, which can supply multiple appliances off power, this adapter itself is connected to a power outlet in the wall, if I explain this right. I now connected the laptop directly to the wall power outlet and the noise is GONe. I now worry though if the power my headphone amp and power amp receive is clean because they are still connected through that surge protected adaptor....
Greetings, Anouk

mrarroyo · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2008, 02:06 PM

How about borrowing a power adapter w/ surge protector from a friend. That way you can determine if your is bad and in need of replacement.

Anouk · #4 (**permalink**) 12-07-2008, 03:27 PM

Hello, well the power adapters are pretty new, i think it might just be too many equipment too close together or somehting... I will try though to see if there are any more normal power outlets to put equipment in instead to see if it makes a difference in sound...
Greetings, Anouk,

Scottsmrnyc · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2009, 02:54 AM

I have a similar problem. When I connect my laptop to my preamplifier and then to my speakers, I get a buzzing hissing sound. If I disconnect my laptop from the surge protector and run it on the laptop battery, It will play fine. I think the problem has something to do with the wall out let or grounding. Scottsmrnyc

mrarroyo · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2009, 08:04 PM

Are any of your power the switching type? I have heard some leak noise and thus the problem you are talking about.