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Got Static?

All:

I am completely vexed and need some suggestions....

The problem: I am hearing occasional "ticks" which I believe are associated with static buildup in my system. The "ticks" occur randomly, roughly one to three times during the playback of a CD. I hear them during vinyl playback as well but it is sometimes hard to distinguish them from surface tics or pops. These "ticks" can sometimes be heard when the system is idling with the mute button disengaged--when the mute is "on" they cannot be heard. The frequency of the "ticks" appears to increase as the humidity level drops--the colder and dryer it is the more of them I hear. Thus, the problem is less of an issue in the summer (unless running the AC) and is pretty darn annoying in the winter. Sometimes, when I touch my gear I receive a small shock which is translated by the speakers. I have tried to ground my rack but this has not helped. Believing it may be a grounding issue I have also tried cheater plugs on my CD player and/or linestage--no change. The funny thing is I have been at this for 25+ years (with many different system configurations) and this issue has never been a problem until the last year or so--can't figure out why it has become one now.

Any ideas about WHAT is causing this and HOW to stop it? Anyone else have this issue?
dodgealum

Showing 2 responses by kijanki

kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,446 posts
 
Perhaps your heating system had humidifier that recently stopped working. You could just spray clean water on the carpet to wet it and humidify the room, but it would be better to buy cheap humidifier and place it next to your system. I would get one that boils water (not ultrasonic).

Grounding protect your gear by providing better discharge path to ground - a very good thing. Without it discharge current might travel thru circuitry. It does nothing for the static levels.

Be careful not to touch signal wires (input or output) and always touch grounded unpainted metal box first.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,446 posts
 
Humidifiers attached to furnace usually have control - a humidistat that you can set to desired humidity. Also it requires some maintenance - changing screens or filter every year. If it is Aprilair style with air going thru screen, like mine, you need to change screen every year or they will stop working.
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