Hello all:
I've been battling a scenario now that has been plaguing me now for a good year. Now, please bear with me as I attempt to logically explain my situation.
1. I've been an audiophile for over 55 years now, but recently, those experiences have been relegated to my PC desktop enviroment. My desktop system consists of a set of KEF Q150 bookshelf speakers, along with a set of Wharfedale D320 bookshelf models - with a Mackie 8" powered subwoofer under the desk. Amplification involves a Cambridge Integrated Amplifier. I have other amps and periodically switch them out since the KEF's are ridiculous good at showcasing differences among amplifiers. All of my components - amps, DAC's, etc., are also plugged into Furman Line Conditioners. My DAC units (USB connected) also have the iFi USB Line conditioner attached. And only higher-end cables are used (speaker, RCA, and USB) from Audioquest and Blue Jeans Cables).
2. My problem is an ongoing, low-level buzz that emanates from my speakers - seemingly, more so, from my right speaker. It's low level enough that it can drive you nuts at times - and is easily discernible from the residual noise from the PC fans, etc. So in an attempt to isolate and eliminate this noise, I did the following:
a. Tried a half dozen different amps - all with the same issue - so the amps aren't the problem.
b. Connected all gear to Furman Powerline Conditioners and the USB end of things to iFi USB line conditioners - still the same buzz issue remained.
c. Separated all the power cords from various components to ensure they did not intermingle with various connecting cables - all to no avail.
3. But then I noticed that whenever I perform PC functions - such as moving the mouse, or using the center wheel on the mouse to control volume, etc., the buzz amplifies. This tells me that this PC noise is emanating from the PC itself. By the way, the PC is also plugged into a powerline conditioner. Even when using the center wheel on the mouse to cursor down pages on the internet, the buzzing is more pronounced.
Recently, I read a few short articles on "silent PC's" and was curious if any of you had heard about these types of computers. I was wondering if the "silent" they are referring to only involves the use of quieter fans? This obviously, in my case, would not be enough because this low level buzzing results from the PC - I'm almost positive of this. In fact, when I put the PC to sleep or turn the PC off, the buzzing stops from my gear.
Can anybody - using speculation or having had similar experiences such as this - shed some light on some of my possible solutions here?
Thank you so much in advance for anything you can throw my way.
Ben
I've been battling a scenario now that has been plaguing me now for a good year. Now, please bear with me as I attempt to logically explain my situation.
1. I've been an audiophile for over 55 years now, but recently, those experiences have been relegated to my PC desktop enviroment. My desktop system consists of a set of KEF Q150 bookshelf speakers, along with a set of Wharfedale D320 bookshelf models - with a Mackie 8" powered subwoofer under the desk. Amplification involves a Cambridge Integrated Amplifier. I have other amps and periodically switch them out since the KEF's are ridiculous good at showcasing differences among amplifiers. All of my components - amps, DAC's, etc., are also plugged into Furman Line Conditioners. My DAC units (USB connected) also have the iFi USB Line conditioner attached. And only higher-end cables are used (speaker, RCA, and USB) from Audioquest and Blue Jeans Cables).
2. My problem is an ongoing, low-level buzz that emanates from my speakers - seemingly, more so, from my right speaker. It's low level enough that it can drive you nuts at times - and is easily discernible from the residual noise from the PC fans, etc. So in an attempt to isolate and eliminate this noise, I did the following:
a. Tried a half dozen different amps - all with the same issue - so the amps aren't the problem.
b. Connected all gear to Furman Powerline Conditioners and the USB end of things to iFi USB line conditioners - still the same buzz issue remained.
c. Separated all the power cords from various components to ensure they did not intermingle with various connecting cables - all to no avail.
3. But then I noticed that whenever I perform PC functions - such as moving the mouse, or using the center wheel on the mouse to control volume, etc., the buzz amplifies. This tells me that this PC noise is emanating from the PC itself. By the way, the PC is also plugged into a powerline conditioner. Even when using the center wheel on the mouse to cursor down pages on the internet, the buzzing is more pronounced.
Recently, I read a few short articles on "silent PC's" and was curious if any of you had heard about these types of computers. I was wondering if the "silent" they are referring to only involves the use of quieter fans? This obviously, in my case, would not be enough because this low level buzzing results from the PC - I'm almost positive of this. In fact, when I put the PC to sleep or turn the PC off, the buzzing stops from my gear.
Can anybody - using speculation or having had similar experiences such as this - shed some light on some of my possible solutions here?
Thank you so much in advance for anything you can throw my way.
Ben
