Integra DTC-9.8 Hum/Buzz
lenwfl -- Sat, 12/20/2008 - 13:24
I'm getting an annoying hum/buzz coming from my front speakers when playing sources via HDMI 1.3 inputs (Sony BDP-S350 blu-ray player and Comcast DVR). I've tried everything and with XLR cables from the DTC-9.8 to my front speaker amp have managed to get the hum/buzz down to a reasonable level (but it's still there).
There's something weird going on with the way the DTC-9.8 processes HDMI inputs because I noticed the hum/buzz level dropped when I switched off the HDMI audio through to my HDTV (DTC-9.8 menu 7.5). Turning this option off prevents audio from being sent through the DTC-9.8 HDMI output. The change also causes something else strange to happen with the DTC-9.8 display. With the HDMI output set ON (menu 7.5), the DTC-9.8 displays "HDMI Audio Through" and the speaker icons for the rear speakers are empty. But with the HDMI output set OFF (7.5), the DTC-9.8 displays the incoming audio bitstream (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS HD Master, etc.) and the rear speaker icons display LR and RR correctly.
Is anyone else having these hum/buzz issues? I don't know whether to send the DTC-9.8 to Integra repair or not.
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I bet you have a "ground loop" issue, as Comcast is famous for that.
There is a product on the market to eliminate that, they are small devices which you plug a component into which may be causing a ground loop. "Humbuster", I think. Try, first, taking an extension cord and reversing the AC main on one comonent at a time (the Comcast box first, the Integra second).
If it goes away, there you go.
It could be any component in the system, however.
Install one of these devices and it should be quiet.
I have fought ground loops for years, sucsessfully.
I'll research the device and post.
Mike
VinylGuy
You can try lifting the ground on each component with a "cheater plug" (one at a time) starting with the Comcast box, etc. I use the Ebtech HumX as it is safer than a cheater plug and really works. Just plug the defending device into it and than into your AC power conditioner, etc. It it about $59 street price from pro audio dealers. However, if the hum is coming through the Comcast cable you will need to use something like the Mondail "Magic" or other hum eliminator device that connects between the Comcast cable coming into the house and your Comcast box.
You can try lifting the ground on each component with a "cheater plug" (one at a time) starting with the Comcast box, etc. I use the Ebtech HumX as it is safer than a cheater plug and really works. Just plug the defending device into it and than into your AC power conditioner, etc. It it about $59 street price from pro audio dealers. However, if the hum is coming through the Comcast cable you will need to use something like the Mondail "Magic" or other hum eliminator device that connects between the Comcast cable coming into the house and your Comcast box.
Great info, LeeW.
The HumX is what I was thinking of.
I also have the Mondial box, which hooks in series with the cable line coming in, and it works wonders.
MikeC
VinylGuy