Why do my stereo speakers hum?
John Thompson
Published Apr 28, 2026
Why do my stereo speakers hum?
An audio problem called a ground loop is a common cause of hum problems. Slight differences in the AC voltage levels between two pieces of equipment creates an audio hum . Ground loops in home stereos typically occur when turntables or other sources are plugged into different electrical outlets than the amplifier.
What causes hum in receiver?
Humming and buzzing sounds in receivers can range from an occasional nuisance to a loud noise that can damage your speakers. In many cases, you can get rid of the hum by replacing a bad cable or correcting a minor wiring problem. Sometimes, however, the hum may be due to damaged or old audio components.
Why are my Logitech speakers buzzing?
One of the common reasons is the electrical ground loop. While frequency interference is also likely to lead to the buzzing sound issue, you can’t ignore the audio output disturbances. Apart from that, the hardware issue can result in the buzzing sound from the speakers, such as your speaker faulty.
What should I do if I hear hum in my speakers?
Remove the cables connecting the receiver, power amplifier, or device powering your speakers. Only the speaker cables, loudspeakers, and AC plug powering the unit should now be connected. Does the hum go away?
When does Hum occur in a turntable amplifier?
If hum occurs when your amplifier is set to all inputs, not just the one that your turntable is on, then you have a different problem than what this article discusses. If hum only occurs on the input which the turntable plays through, it is logical that the turntable is the source of the problem.
How can I get rid of the Hum on my turntable?
Cheap wiring and build quality can make this noise rather difficult to get rid of. The very first thing to check is that the ground lead from your turntable is grounded. Most amplifiers or phono preamps have a ground post to connect the ground lead to. Go ahead and do so if you have not already. This will fix most problems with turntable hum.
Can a CD player be the source of Hum?
If the answers are yes to questions one and two, it’s likely that one of your sources (like a CD player, turntable, video feed), is the source of hum. Remove that piece from the receiver, amplifier, or integrated and the system hum should now be gone.
Why do I get a hum in my speakers?
The most common cause of hum is the ground loop – fortunately it is also the easiest to solve. First, you should determine the type of hum you are dealing with. There are two basic types: 120Hz buzz, typically caused by ground loops, and 60Hz hum, typically a result of poor shielding, cable problems, or close proximity to strong magnetic fields.
What causes a 60Hz Hum on PS Audio?
60Hz hum caused by close proximity to other equipment or cables problems: The specified audio id does not exist. 120Hz hum/buzz typical of ground loop problems. We first need to divide our search into two categories; mechanical or electrical induced hum. A mechanically induced hum or buzz is equally easy to determine.
If hum occurs when your amplifier is set to all inputs, not just the one that your turntable is on, then you have a different problem than what this article discusses. If hum only occurs on the input which the turntable plays through, it is logical that the turntable is the source of the problem.
Cheap wiring and build quality can make this noise rather difficult to get rid of. The very first thing to check is that the ground lead from your turntable is grounded. Most amplifiers or phono preamps have a ground post to connect the ground lead to. Go ahead and do so if you have not already. This will fix most problems with turntable hum.