• Installation & Use Tips

Noise & Distortion Problems

Do not assume that noise in the form of hum, static, pops, or distortion is the fault of the speaker. Noise is mostcommonly caused by multimedia sources or power issued within an installation. Here are some of the most common causes to consider:

• Ground loop AC hum, 60 Hz (see grounding tips)
• Bad sources like improperly grounded portable computer docking stations
• Ungrounded or improperly grounded wall switch plates.
• Bad cables; especially custom cables
• Bad MP3 files or corrupted audio files from the internet, CD, or computer
• Volume turned up too high (properly designed speakers should sound distorted at maximum volume)

• Distortion is commonly caused by an incorrectly set up source. Deactivate, disable, and under no circumstances use equalizers or compression algorithms that are resident in most source player setup menus. These software controls can be easily identified as "Bass Boost", "Cinema Sound ", "Q-Sound", "Surround Sound", "Brightness", "Rock and Roll", "Blues", etc.
• For the Astronaut: Source cables must be terminated on both ends (one end at the amplifier and one end at the source); otherwise, noise will be experienced.

Rule of Thumb

The larger the number of connections in a source path, the more likely that noise will transfer to the speaker. Each and every source and connection is a potential cause of noise and must be investigated through a process of elimination.

Cetacea Sound speakers are very easy to diagnose. For additional support, refer to our Troubleshooting section.