Possible Causes of Background Noise in Speaker and Earphone Setup

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the causes of background noise experienced when using earphones plugged into a speaker's earphone jack. Participants explore potential reasons for the noise, including technical specifications and compatibility issues, without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the background noise is loud enough to be distracting but not painful, and it varies with the volume of the amplifier.
  • Another participant questions whether the background noise originates from the speaker or if it could be a defect in the earphones.
  • There is a request for clarification on the nature of the noise, specifically whether it is a hiss, static, or intermittent static.
  • A participant mentions that the background noise is static and occurs only at high volume, and that the earphones work well with other devices, suggesting a potential compatibility issue.
  • One participant raises the possibility that the impedance mismatch between the headphone jack and the earphones could be a contributing factor to the noise.
  • Another participant inquires about the age of the speakers, confirming they are new.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the source of the background noise and its characteristics, with no consensus reached on the underlying cause.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of impedance matching or other technical specifications that could affect the sound quality. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the exact nature of the background noise.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in audio equipment, sound engineering, or troubleshooting audio issues may find this discussion relevant.

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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