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    Interference when Sony Z Audio Out plugged into Amp

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by bbasra, Jan 5, 2009.

  1. bbasra

    bbasra Notebook Evangelist

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    Hi,

    When i plug my Sony Z into my Denon Receiver, using 3.5mm Jack -> 2 x Phono cable, there is a huge amount of crackling interference. At first i thought i was the lead but then I used it the other day again and it was fine and didn't know why.

    In the end, i found out the AC Power Adapter wasn't plugged in and this worked fine. I then plugged in the AC Power Adapter and the crackling interference came back. My old Dell i8100 does not have this issue.

    any idea's? :confused:

    I will be trying my Senn Headphones later today and see if i get the same problem.
     
    bbasra, Jan 5, 2009
    #1
  2. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Do both the computer and the amp have grounded power supplies?

    If so, I recommend you disconnect the grounding for one of them. You have probably got a ground loop. You have discovered that there is no crackling when the computer is running off the battery.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jan 5, 2009
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  3. Alex

    Alex Super Moderator

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    In pro sound we have a ground lift switch on amps to take the common ground out of the loop
    You can purchase isolation transformers to isolate the signal
    Hi-fi stores or car audio have these



    Alex
     
    Alex, Jan 5, 2009
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  4. arth1

    arth1 a҉r҉t҉h

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    "Ground" means several different things, depending on both location and context.
    - It can mean "grounded ground", as in directly connected to a rod going into the ground.
    - It can mean "neutral", as in the live+neutral electricity system seen in many countries, with one of the two live wires directly connected to "ground".
    - It can mean "floating ground", which is supplier-provided "ground" that has a supposedly fixed potential compared to the live phases, but quite often a substantial potential compared to "ground" ground.
    - It can mean "signal ground", where local components share a neutral "ground".

    For sound equipment, you usually want to have signal ground that is isolated from the "ground" of your electric system. If that's not feasible, you need to ensure that all interconnected equipment is hooked up to the same source -- preferably the same outlet.
    Never mix and match ungrounded (usually two-prong) and grounded mains connectors. Either ground everything or nothing. And, unless you live in France or have separated absolutely everything from mains ground, don't connect the "ground" wire on an amplifier or turntable to "ground" ground. That's not what it's meant for :)
     
    arth1, Jan 5, 2009
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