PSB Subsonic 5 - Hums!
 

Has anyone else noticed this? My PSB Subsonic 5 makes a slight humming sound while in stand-by mode (no signal). The hum can be heard from 4 feet away. Is it normal for subwoofers to hum a bit on standby?
PSB recommends leaving it switched on and letting its internal circuitry power it up when it detects an incoming signal - its placement makes it difficult to turn on and off but the hum is getting to me!!!

There are a bunch of things you can try to eliminate the problem (which sounds to me like a ground loop hum, assuming the hum is at 60 Hz).

First, figure out where the problem is coming from by disconnecting the sub's RCA cable. If that eliminates the hum, try a better shielded cable. If it doesn't...


First, are there any dimmer switches on the same breaker as the subwoofer? Either way, try the sub in another outlet (or removing the dimmer switches).

Another thing to try is to add a "cheater" plug. This is an adapter that is made to convert a 3 prong power plug to 2 plugs. You can find them at Radio Shack. If using one of those the conventional way doesn't work, try it reversed/upside down.

Could be from A/C interference from power cord if power cord runs parallel to the audio cable.

Re: PSB Subsonic 5 - Hums!
 

My PSB humms too. I've tried a lot of different things (including moving) and it won't go away. I use to turn it off, but with the new house, the sub is in the corner, and I notice it a lot less.

I love it though. It rocks the house with many of my films.