Speakers that are not magnetically shielded

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of using non-magnetically shielded speakers, particularly a subwoofer, in proximity to electronic devices such as PC monitors and hard drives. Participants explore the potential effects on display quality and data integrity, as well as practical solutions to mitigate risks.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the distance requirement applies even when the speakers are off, due to the presence of strong magnets in subwoofers that can affect nearby magnetic storage devices.
  • There is a concern that distortion of displays is a likely outcome, but some participants question whether this could also lead to damage of hard drives.
  • One participant recounts personal experience with display distortion caused by nearby speakers, noting that it resulted in permanent visual artifacts on a TV.
  • Another participant mentions that strong magnetic fields can corrupt data on hard drives by altering magnetic domains, indicating a potential risk to data integrity.
  • Some participants share anecdotal evidence of using older audio equipment without issues, suggesting variability in outcomes based on specific setups.
  • There is a suggestion to test the shielding effectiveness of a tin can over the magnet, with a proposed method to evaluate its impact on magnetic deflection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent of the risks posed by non-magnetically shielded speakers, with some asserting potential for data corruption and display distortion, while others share experiences of using similar setups without problems. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive impact of proximity to hard drives and monitors.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific materials and components (e.g., neodymium magnets, lanthanide metals) that may influence the discussion, but there are no consensus definitions or clarifications on the extent of damage or distortion that may occur.

NINHARDCOREFAN
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I bought new speakers, it came with a subwoofer which is not magnetically shielded. In the manual it says keep it at least two feet away from PC monitors, hard drives etc... Does this only apply only when the speakers are on? What's the worst that could happen if I don't follow this?
 
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try it and find out. and no it doesn't mean just when it is on remember that your hard drive is made of magnetic disks, and that a subwoofer has a huge magnet inside it.
 
It will only distort display right? Then why did it say not place close to hard drives? Will it damage them?
 
NINHARDCOREFAN said:
It will only distort display right? Then why did it say not place close to hard drives? Will it damage them?


Possibly.

Most speakers have neodymium magnets these days, get a high enough grade one within a foot or so of a hard drive and it can corrupt the data.
 
The distortion can be pretty bad. I had to keep a TV close to some speakers that were marginally shielded. The TV developed rainbows on both sides near the speakers. I tried degaussing by hand, but it was permanent. The TV wasn't useless but it was very difficult to watch.
 
NINHARDCOREFAN said:
It will only distort display right? Then why did it say not place close to hard drives? Will it damage them?
The magnetic field interacts with the lanthanide metals (usually Eu and Y in color TV) in the display screen and it will change the color. I believe it is the red phosphor that is affected, based on experience with my son.

My son magnetized our TV several times until we figured out that he was doing it. The TV lost the red and we saw primarily green, blue and purple hues. We just degaussed the screen.

A strong magnetic field will damage a harddrive in the sense that it will corrupt the data by changing the magnetic domains on the HD.
 
I use an older home hi-fi amp and bookshelf speakers that sit about a foot away from the computer case without any problems
 
NINHARDCOREFAN said:
http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_audiofaq4.html#AUDIOFAQ_008
Will putting a tin can over it work?
Possibly. One way to check is to hold a piece of steel or other magnet (or even a compass) on a string and gradually move it toward the magnet and not the deflection. Then cover the magnet with a tin can, and repeat moving the piece of steel or magnet on a string toward the covered magnet. If the deflection is less, then yes, putting a tin can over the magnet works. One should test in the direction of the object (TV or PC) which would be affected.
 

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