Cannot seem to figure out this static problem:

My current audio setup:

Grado HF1-->Audio Advantage Micro-->Dell Optiplex.

Have this very annoying low lying static on everything I listen to.

Its definitely the computer as I reproduced the setup on two laptops and had no problems.
Have updated all relevant drivers, disabled any and all microphones and other audio devices (other than desktop speakers but tried shutting those down too).

Cleaned all of my USB ports and USB devices; changed the computers' outlet but still to no avail.

What am I missing here?

Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

Layback Bear said:

Well static sound can come from just about a where or any thing.
Any electrical circuit breaking down or poor ground is the normal reason.

Two things that come to mind is a poor ground in the wall socket.
The other is a power supply.
I have seen fluorescent light ballast cause this problem when they are starting to go bad.

Does your computer plug directly into the wall socket or do you have something like a surge protector or extension cable circuit breaker ect.

Remember that the laptops have a battery that to some degree is a buffer against sound static when it comes from A/C input.

Thanks for the reply.

I had it plugged into a surge protector, but then changed it to a multiplier (turns two sockets into 6) that is plugged directly into the wall socket. I will have to change a couple of things around but will get it plugged directly into the wall.
Anything else I should maybe try while I am messing around with the wires?
Will otherwise revert back with findings shortly.
Thanks again.

Layback Bear said:

Luck to you. These types of things are sometimes hard to find.
Note that anything that is plugged into the wall socket on the same circuit in the building can cause feed back.
Normally a quality power supply will filter it out.

So I removed every plug from the wall...including my surge protector and plugged my computer directly into the socket (with only the other socket being occupied with a monitor) and the problem persists.

This is going to drive me insane as I know its something simply...yet I cant figure out what it is.

Layback Bear said:

Because your laptops don't have this problem, I'm thinking it's a internal problem.

Verify all connections to every thing. That includes your speakers.
Wiggle the speaker connection to the computer and see if the static sound changes. The speaker port on the computer can be the problem.

Inspect the motherboard for any obvious signs of damage.
Such as deformed capacitors.

Sense computer manufactures use the cheapest power supply they can get away with that would be my next step if I owned the computer.

You can have the power supply tested in most computer repair shops but don't always find this kind of problem. While at the repair shop have them plug in a sound system and see if the problem still exist.
That for sure will give you a yes or no on your incoming A/C power from your building. It would also let you know if it's your sound system if their sound system doesn't have the same problem.

It's a process of elimination if nothing obvious is found.

If nothing was found so far I would try another power supply.

I know it's a pain in the backside.

My thinking is the problem is not coming from a out side RF source because the problem doesn't happen with your laptops.

You know whats odd, there is no sound coming from my headphone jack and when I plug headphones into the, nothing comes up in the manage audio devices screen.

Just ran a windows update and installing right now.

How can I find the drivers for the jack and for my sound card?

Wouldn't my Audio Advantage Micro just bypass the sound card, eliminating all of the above problems?

Really appreciate all of your help.

Layback Bear said:

If their is a way to remove the xxx and still plug in your sound system, give it a try.

Audio Advantage Micro II - Turtle Beach Corporation
To make sure I understand you correctly.
You have sound using your speakers but their is static also.
I'm I lost or are we on the same page?

I think im lost too-lol.

What is "xxx"?

There is actually no static coming out of the speakers.

Im using my Grados, plugged directly into the AAM2.

I disconnected the AAM2 and used it with my laptop (to ensure it was working properly) and there was no static.