I have a pair of Bose speakers for my computer, similar to the ones Terry uses at our meetings. I've noticed lately that they are quite noisy - buzzing noise when they're plugged in and not being used. I didn't notice the noise when they were new - any ideas on what could be causing the problem and what I can do about it, other than unplugging them. It seems to be mainly the left speaker that is making the noise. Thanks for any suggestions.

It might be poor grounding. Does it sound like 60Hz hum? What are they plugged into?

It is a humming sound. I have them plugged into my APC battery backup surge protector along with my computer, printer and router.

For openers you should not have anything plugged into your battery backup other than the Computer and the Router, (of the items listed).

After you connect the printer and speakers to a different power source, or outlets in the APC that are not part of the battery backup portion of it.

Now check to see if the hum is still there. If it is and the speakers have a 2 blade plug, pull the plug and rotate it 180 degrees so that the blade that was in the wide socket is now in the thinner one. Hopefully this will be possible as some manufacturers use plugs with one wide and one narrow blade. In many cases the hum will go away.

Let us know what you find out.

Does the hum exist if the speaker's audio cable is not plugged into the computer?

1. No. -- The hum is coming via your computer conection.

2. Yes. -- The hum is inherent in the speakers.

As Brian said, "Let us know what you find out."

After checking where the speakers were plugged in and switching the plug around, I still get the hum - it doesn't matter whether they are plugged into the computer or not.

Nina:

Can you try the speakers plugged into another computer or sound generating device. Still get hum?

If so call Bose toll free at 1-800-999-2673 and give them the model number and serial number. Explain what is happening and what you have tried. They are very helpful and extremely reasonable for non-warranty work.

Thanks for the advice. I think calling Bose will be my best choice as the noise is there regardless of where or what they are plugged into.

Let us know what Bose says.

It will help us (and you) if you tell us what Bose speakers you have.



The humming noise comes from poor grounding and shielding of electronics. If any part of the sound system is near strong fields (like power cords or fluorescent lights), the humming noise can also be generated.

I have the Bose companion 2 speakers. Apart from the annoying buzz, I love these speakers.

Hi Nina:

What did you hear from Bose?

I'll have to give them a call on Monday. Been rather busy lately with other projects. Sorry to keep you waiting for an answer.

Just got off the phone with Bose, and although the speakers are out of warranty by about 3 months, they will ship me a brand new set of speakers. So thanks once again for all the help.