Audio Systems: Stereo/computer hookup, radio shack catalog, soundblaster live 24 bit

Question
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Followup To
Question -
When I hook up my Gateway computer to my Yamaha receiver I get what sounds like microphone feed back or a humming. I've tried several new cable to go from my computer to my stereo, I've also tried connecting my computer to different recepticals on my receiver and still get the humming. Any ideas?
Answer -
Dear Dale,

A hum usually indicates a ground issue, but without more information, it's difficult to tell. Tell me, what are you doing? Just putting the output of the computer to the receiver? What kind of connectors are you using? Which outputs and inputs are in play ("Line Out" from the PC, "AUX" in on the receiver, etc.)? Anything else?

Look forward to hearing from you again.

Kindest regards,

Kevin

Kevin thanks for the response. I'm using a 1.8m stereo mini-to-RCA Y cable. I connected it to the computer output to the receivers AUX input. I've also tried connecting the computer to the CD, DVD, and any other jack I could use on the receiver and I get the same results. I've also tried turning the speaker control on the PC down and off and that didn't work either. All I'm trying to do is download my CD's on my computer and play them through the stereo. Music Jukebox is the program I'm using to play my CD's and I have a Soundblaster Live 24 bit sound card. I hope this helps, I'm really fustrated an

Answer
Dear Dale,

It sounds like you've done everything correctly. I think the hum is created by a ground loop. Are both your PC and receiver plugged into grounded (three-prong) outlets? Have you made sure that the mini-jack end of the Y connector is firmly plugged into the sound card's output? That the RCA jacks of the Y connecter are (1) firmly connected to the receiver and (2) are directed toward the right input channels (red/right; white/left)?

There's an outside chance that you may have a bad Y connector. I recommend the gold-plated variety from Radio Shack (Catalog No. 42-2551; $6.99). They offer the best connections and rarely fail.

If none of this works, and the hum persists, you should probably have someone you know who knows audio electronics listen to and fiddle with your connections.

Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!

Kindest regards,

Kevin