Speaker hiss from sub


My REL subs are causing my speakers to have a hiss, which I can hear when the system is off, but the subs idling. It goes away if I run an extension cord into my power conditioner (PS Audio PowerPlant). The subs are connected directly to my amps. Any ideas on solutions without buying multiple conditioners? I tried a simple plug in Isotek wall wart that is supposed to remove noise—no dice. Also tried a better power cord no improvement. Tried moving the sub interconnect around no change. Only way this his goes away is with the power conditioner.

 

Any ideas on a solution?

w123ale

Solved for $2.89! On a suggestion from Music Direct I got two “cheater plugs” from the hardware store—hiss gone!

R. Edmund Lord marketed a sub bass speaker to accommodate people using receivers lacking preamplifier outputs and / or small low frequency restricted speakers. Along with RCA inputs he included speaker / high level inputs as do many manufactures. 

Using the more widely used preamplifier outputs directly to the subs low level inputs bypasses any noise, frequency restrictions and distortion imposed by the speaker amplifier and its input and output stages. As with any sub you determine any audible advantage. 

Monoprice or Blue Jeans cable offer economical custom length RCA or XLR terminated interconnects. 

I haven’t, I’ve only run the Neutrik cables that came with the sub—I don’t have RCAs that will go far enough. I have wonder if running RCA from the pre would help but part of the advantage, theoretically, is to run directly from the amps.

I have emailed Music Direct to see if they have any ideas.

Have you tried running an RCA cable from the .1/LFE to an unused RCA jack on your amp? If of course your sub has HT .1/LFE .

Not sure if this applies to you but I've had problems with my Rel subs..Rel replace one  of them about 6 months in and now the replacement is doing the same thing..I called a Rel dealer and was told they were having lots of complaints and several returns.. Rel is having build issues from whst I'm told...

I'm trying to understand something.  Is the hiss coming from the main speakers or the subs?

Hiss goes away when I unplug the power for the subs but have them connected to the amps. It also goes away if the subs are powered but they are unplugged from the amp.

Does the hiss continue when you unplug the subs, leaving only the AC cord connected?

Have you tried the high-level inputs from the speaker outputs on the amp instead?