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Getting noise from computer, it seems, on my Matrix M-Stage. Is it my cable?

post #1 of 5
11/22/10 at 9:35am
Thread Starter 

I am using this cable:

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/AudioQuest+-+3-2/7'+3.5mm-to-Stereo+Mini+Audio+Cable+-+White/Silver/9518426.p?id=1218117940967&skuId=9518426&st=audioquest mini 1&contract_desc=null

 

The closer the cable is to the back of the computer, the more noise I get through my amp if I turn the dial all the way up.  I put as much of the cable to the left of the computer as I can, where I get less noise.

 

I read that the amp I'm using (Matrix M-Stage) is virtually silent at all volumes.

 

Literally, when I move a window around, I get noise in the amp that corresponds to how I'm moving the window around.

 

Do I need a better cable, or is it the power cord that came with it that's plugged into my surge protector, or what's going on?  Maybe it's my internal sound card?  I honestly do not know.


Edited by I3eyond - 11/22/10 at 9:43am
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post #2 of 5
11/22/10 at 9:54am
Your computer is kicking off RFI - they're extremely noisy. It radiates radio hash like a little radio station transmitter. Your cable is an antenna, picks up the radio noise, and puts it into your amp.

You need a shielded cable, which would probably help. Don't buy some aftermarket cable without shielding - you know, the ones made in a cryo chamber in the Antarctic, bathed in the tears of a virgin Tibetan monk and burned-in inside of a charred oak cask that used to hold cabernet for 18 months to give it warmth and body. Those won't help.

Get something shielded - even a shielded cable from Radio Shack is fine.

You might also want to consider an external DAC. That will take the processing away from the electrically noisy computer.
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post #3 of 5
11/22/10 at 10:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

Your computer is kicking off RFI - they're extremely noisy. It radiates radio hash like a little radio station transmitter. Your cable is an antenna, picks up the radio noise, and puts it into your amp.

You need a shielded cable, which would probably help. Don't buy some aftermarket cable without shielding - you know, the ones made in a cryo chamber in the Antarctic, bathed in the tears of a virgin Tibetan monk and burned-in inside of a charred oak cask that used to hold cabernet for 18 months to give it warmth and body. Those won't help.

Get something shielded - even a shielded cable from Radio Shack is fine.

You might also want to consider an external DAC. That will take the processing away from the electrically noisy computer.


lol

x2

 

Yes, your internal soundcard is receiving noise from the computer, too, if you are getting noises corresponding to your actions.  An external DAC is definitely recommended.

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post #4 of 5
11/22/10 at 8:23pm
Thread Starter 

Got a cheap cable from Best Buy.  No noise now, other than at max volume, which I will obviously never use, there is a slight hissing.  Is this normal?

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post #5 of 5
11/22/10 at 10:25pm

Probably from somewhat poor SNR s oyou get higher noise floor, or hiss.  Again, external dac recommended.

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