Possible Causes of Background Noise in Speaker and Earphone Setup

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the background noise experienced when connecting earphones to a speaker's headphone jack. The speaker has a total RMS power of 4 watts and a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 70dB, while the earphones have a sensitivity of 108 dB/mW. Users report that the noise is static and varies with the volume of the speaker, suggesting potential impedance mismatches or inherent noise from the speaker itself. Testing the earphones with other devices shows they function correctly, indicating the issue likely lies with the speaker setup.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of audio equipment specifications, including RMS power and signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Knowledge of impedance and its effects on audio performance.
  • Familiarity with audio signal types, such as static and hiss.
  • Basic troubleshooting techniques for audio devices.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of impedance mismatches in audio setups.
  • Learn about speaker specifications and their influence on sound quality.
  • Investigate methods to reduce background noise in audio systems.
  • Explore the differences between headphone and speaker audio outputs.
USEFUL FOR

Audio engineers, sound technicians, and anyone troubleshooting audio equipment issues will benefit from this discussion, particularly those dealing with speaker and earphone setups.

PiRsq
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This may not entirely be a physics question but I know physicists here might know something about it. If it seems to be irrelevant then please delete it.

I have a speaker and a earphone. When I plug the earphone into the speaker's earphone jack, I hear a constant background noise, even when there is no music, for example, is being played. So what could be causing that noise?

Here are the specs for the speaker and the earphone:

speaker
Total RMS power: 4 watts RMS (2W + 2W)
Total peak power: 8 watts
Frequency response: 70Hz - 20kHz
Drivers: 2" full-range
Dimensions (H x W x D): 9" x 3" x 3.5"
Signal-to-noise ratio: >70dB

earphone
Driver Unit: 16mm diameter
Impedance: 16 at 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW
Frequency 16-22000Hz
Power Handling Capacity: 50mW
 
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How loud is it and does it vary with the volume of the amp?
 
It is loud enough to cause a serious distraction but not as loud to cause the ear to hurt, although prolonged exposure could cause the ear to hurt. It does vary with the volume.
 
Any thoughts, anybody?
 
Does the background noise come from the speak also? I'm guessing a defective headphone.
 
what does the noise sound like?
(e.g. hiss, static, intermittent static)
 
david90: The background noise comes from the speaker only at high volume and even then I can only hear it if I hold my ear 10cm near the speaker. I tried the earphones on my MP3 player and also Home Stereo and it works perfectly well.

Ouabache: It is static noise, without intermittance

I've been reading about this and I wonder if it has anythig to do with the impedance between the headphone jack of the speaker and the earphones...?
 
Is your speaker new?
 
Yes they are new speakers
 

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