Is it normal for a powered subwoofer to hum? I noticed that my new sub, a Velodyn CT-120, hums (buzzes) when signals are not being received. Even with the input cables disconnected, the hum is still present. I also discovered that if I touch the speaker terminals in the back of the sub, the hum changes tone. I tried various AC outlets around the house (with and without a surge protector). The house is only a year and a half old. My wife does not think the hum is a big deal since you need to get close to it in order to hear the hum. I don't remember a humming sound from the CT-80 sub that I used to have.

Is your sub grounded? If it's not, that could be the problem...

No, it's not normal for powered subwoofer to hum, That normally indicates bad shielding somewhere. If you disconnect the input cable to your subwoofer and it still hums, I would think you have a defective powered subwoofer. I'm not familiar with that particular model, but I would suggest that you trade it in for another one.

[This message has been edited by DVDAnimation (edited August 19, 2000).]

Thanks for the replies! Yes, when I disconnect the input cable, the hum is still there. Also disturbing, was the fact that the hum would change tones when I touched the speaker terminals in the back of the sub.

I took the sub back and had them open up another one, but the hum was still there. I listened to a 12" Polk Audio sub, and there was no hum or any other noise coming from the sub. Any suggestions for a good sub around $500?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ehh:
I listened to a 12" Polk Audio sub, and there was no hum or any other noise coming from the sub. Any suggestions for a good sub around $500?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Klipsch KSW-12 would be my suggestion. It rocks! Check out the reviews here:
http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/S...uct_7731.shtml

Priced from $320-$450 here:
http://www.pricescan.com/electronics...item502851.asp

If it is still under warranty why not try complaining to the manufacturer. I had you same problem with an Infinity sub and although it took a little persistance they replaced mine with a more expensive model. So it actually worked out great this way. Solved the hum problem and got a better sub for no extra charge. Don't know if Velodyne will do this but it seems worth a shot.

Try plugging it into a different electrical outlet, preferably one your other electronic equiment isn't hooked up to.

Maybe it doesn't know the words.

Seriously, it sounds like a grounding problem. Try a new cable.

Velodyne has a couple of decent models under $500. They're available at Circuit City, among other places.



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Whadda you say, honey? Feeling stupid? I know I am! -Homer Simpson, American Hero
DVDs..... Is there anything they can't do?

Here is what you do. Do not go out and get another sub. Go and get a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter for the plug on your sub, plug it in and the hum will magicly dissappear!

The exact same thing happened when I got a new sub, at first I panicked thinking I would have to return it, but this simple solution resolved the problem.

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"...that gum you like is going to come back in style"

I wish I still had the sub with me so I can try these suggestions.

What's the theory behind the 3 prong to 2 prong adaptor? If I have some sort of electrical issue, perhaps other subs I purchase will suffer the same fate?

Anyone care to comment between the Velodyn CT-120 and the Paradigm PS-1000? I really liked the CT-120 before I discovered the hum. I haven't demoed the PS-1000 yet.

My PSB subsonic 3i hums very slightly and it has a two prong power input. I like to have it off when not in use, so it is a only a minor annoyance to me.


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Toshiba -- SD-2109
Da List

Ignorance is Bliss ... Take the blue pill.

I've only ever owned a PS1000, so I can't comment on the CT120, but I love the Paradigm...I don't think you can beat it for the money.

TTT.

Can we get and update?

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Toshiba -- SD-2109
Da List

Ignorance is Bliss ... Take the blue pill.