Edifier S350DB - High pitch noise on all outputs with an exception.

[Jay85]

So i got these speakers today, massive upgrade compared to the G560's! It's literally night and day, i can't believe what i've been missing out on all these years buying gamer speakers.

Anyway, i noticed straight off the bat that no matter what interface i used, optical, cox, bt etc there was a high pitch noise coming from the speakers. However i had a play with the sound settings and i changed it from 16bit 48khz to 16bit 44.1khz and the noise went away!

Just to add, i also tried a different mains socket, different extensions and different optical cables as well with the same result at 48khz it has a high pitch noise coming from both speakers.

Is this something that the speakers can't handle or are they faulty?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Jay85]

I guess the unit is faulty.
My first one, which was replaced, would show the constant high pitch noise. First on all output, but the optical, later the optical too.
As you turn on the unit, the standard volume, which is the same every time you turn it on, would be enough to notice the noise.
Only reducing the volume to almost 0 would somehow mask it.
If you turn the unit on, but without connecting anything to it, if the noise is present, then i'm 99% sure the issue is something with the internal amplifier.
If that's the case, there's no simply solution but replacement.
Ground loop was my first guess, but I guess those units don't use a ground, as the third pin is plastic.

Just tried what you said, turned on without any connections and there is no noise coming from the speakers. What does that mean?

It's weird because the high pitch noise will be present on all except on the 44.1khz frequency in the windows settings. It's the same for the 16bit and 24bit format. I get no sound if i try 96khz as well.

If im brutally honest as well i can't tell any difference between 44.1khz and 48khz but i've ordered another set of the same speakers to test, see if its the speakers at fault or my machine/ground?

 

[Jay85]

My first one, the faulty one, would make the high pitch noise, even with the PC off. Tried every socket possible, even at my brother's place. Same issue.
Mine was an issue with the internal amplifier.
Loop ground won't be an issue, as the unit isn't using the same grounding as the rest of your setup.
Apart from another unit, if you could try another source (laptop, TV, Phone) where you can play a bit with the sample rates would help to eliminate few possibilities.

Once you sort the issue, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pi4RrMtumI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUodFjt01CY, two samples to let the sub work a bit. Had to use some foam behind few glass picture frames on the wall next to it.

Got my replacement set today but won't be able to test it till tonight. Can't wait to test out the new set and see if its a problem with the B grade item.

Will give those samples a test tonight too haha, the wifes been complaining cos im banging music in the room .

 

[Jay85]

My first one, the faulty one, would make the high pitch noise, even with the PC off. Tried every socket possible, even at my brother's place. Same issue.
Mine was an issue with the internal amplifier.
Loop ground won't be an issue, as the unit isn't using the same grounding as the rest of your setup.
Apart from another unit, if you could try another source (laptop, TV, Phone) where you can play a bit with the sample rates would help to eliminate few possibilities.

So brand new unit does the same, i tried it on our tv and it's fine so i suspect its something with my system or the audio ports at the back of the motherboard that's causing it. Doesn't do it at lower frequencies on optical line though, exactly the same as the B grade unit. If it was faulty i'd expect a different fault or for it to be high pitched throughout all outputs but it doesn't.

Wondering if i should use a DAC or some sort of filter to try and filter out the noise? Any recommendation @Drumroll ? You seem to be the only guy who knows anything about it lol.

 

[Jay85]

It may be worth trying an in-line ground loop isolator, it's a relatively inexpensive item which I suppose could be returned if it doesn't sort it?

Also, location of speakers may be having an effect - Mine are right next to my monitor as it's the only space I have, and if the screen is bright they cause a background buzz of interference, gets a little louder when I scroll.

I noticed the pitch does go up and down but i can't tell what's causing it.

I'll have a look at the in-line ground loop isolator, any particular one to buy or just any to try?

ive seen some as cheap as £7.99 from a certain online retailer.

 

[Jay85]

Can't pretend I'm an expert so it may not even be the issue - I have one on my speakers, but it did not solve the monitor interference issue. I think I just decided to keep it anyway in the end (Think I had some other buzzing going on, too long ago to remember for me now, it certainly wasn't an expensive one).

Worth a shot, i can live with it just being set to 44.1khz on optical as it gives me the cleanest output without the high pitch noise but i can clean it up on other outputs too it's worth trying for the sake of a few quid.

 

[Jay85]

So just an update, i asked my uncle who is abit of an audiophile and he straight away said it's RFI or EMI that's coming through so he suggested trying a few things. I've ordered these to try and see if it eliminates the issue im having.

Tacima 6 Way Mains Conditioner with RFI/EMI filter

Behringer MICROHD Hum Destroyer HD400

for the ground loop incase it is this causing it as well. Should be here tomorrow so will come back with my findings incase anyone else ever encounters this problem.

 

[Jay85]

I use quite a few of the Tacima 6 ways. They filter the mains and also remove DC that's injected into the AC, they improve sound quality and also picture quality on screens.

However I think the high pitch issue is a fault in your speakers, looks like it's the built in DAC, the Tacima 6 way won't fix this.

Willing to try anything at this point because i've had 2 units from 2 different suppliers and both are exactly the same so im thinking its not a fault with the speakers but something to do with my hardware.

My speakers sit right next to the psu in my pc and is also right next to my monitors so im gonna try and move the speakers away and see if that helps too. The optical line and RCA cables also run next to other cables like HDMI, DP and some power cables so not sure if that would cause interference?

The strangest thing is, i get clear perfect sound if i switch to 44.1khz in windows sound settings but every other setting will produce the same noise. It's like a high pitch but very quiet noise. I'm using a QED RCA to 3.5mm jack cable and a Kabeldirekt optical cable. The optical one is the only source where 44.1khz works perfect. All the other outputs cox and rca will produce the same sound not matter the windows settings.

Just to note, Headphones are not plugged in and neither is the mic for the headset.

I've contact Edifier support as well to see what they can recommend to fix this.

 

[Jay85]

One more thing to note that i found last night, when you first turn the speakers on they are quiet barely any audible sound (no high pitch). As you use them and after several minutes, the sound begins and you can start to hear the squealing like high pitch noise. It's almost like a ground loop.. i read that the feedback travels in a continuous loop until it reaches unity which then causes the noise?

 

[Jay85]

Regarding the Tacima, it's a good thing to own regardless as they improve audio even on working equipment.

Re your hum. Do you have any other sources? Do you have a separates CD player you can try?

Your aim is to determine if it's your computer or the Edifier, if you can repeat the issue on another source you will know it's the Edifier.

I tried it on the TV and there isn't a high pitch noise but i only tested it in optical as i didn't have any RCA cables on hand at the time.

 

[Jay85]

Does the Edifier use a 3 pin IEC (with a ground), or a figure 8 connection?

I think its a 2pin IEC



Looks like this, im guessing no ground?

 

[Jay85]

You will have to, you must test using another source. If you don't test using another source you won't track down the issue.

Do you have a Sony Walkman in the house, anything will do.

I don't unfortunately, i'll have to order some RCA cables so i can plug it into the back of the TV to test.

 

[Jay85]

That's a figure 8 mains connection, so no ground.

Here is a question. When you tested the optical, was your 3.5mm RCA connected at the same time?

No it wasn't only the optical line was plugged in when i tested the TV.

For my pc i have tried both optical and RCA plugged in and then trying only 1 of them plugged in. The results are the same except as mentioned with optical line 44.1khz set in windows works flawlessly, 48khz gives high pitch sound and then 96khz or above there is no audio output through optical line.

 

[Jay85]

I think there is a fault with the Edifier, the reason I think this is it's doing it from both sources (TV and computer), the fact it goes away with 44.1 set in Windows indicates a DAC / electronics issue with the Edifier.

However to be 100% sure you need to get an RCA cable and try another source on RCA input. If the issue is still present, then return the Edifier.

I don't think it's an EMI issue, however if it is then the Tacima would definitely help. As mentioned the Tacima's improve audio even when equipment is functioning correctly, so owning this is a good thing anyway.

Ah sorry there isn't a high pitch noise when plugged into the TV but again i only tested via optical and not RCA so i can't be 100% until i try it.

Yeah i think regardless of what the outcome is i'll keep the Tacima anyway and might end up filtering the pc through it as well for cleaner power.

Right now i just need to eliminate whats causing it and if it does turn out to be the Edifier's then i'll return it again.

Any idea what to replace it with? Ideally want another 2.1 system and definitely do not want a gaming focused setup like the G560.

 

[Jay85]

I don't know if this has any relevance but i noticed my motherboard Gigabyte Aorus Pro Wifi ITX Z390 has a ALC1220-VB audio chip that auto detects impedance when wearing headphones, could this somehow cause high pitch squeal?

Z390 I AORUS PRO WIFI (rev. 1.0) Gallery | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

 

[Jay85]

What sort of budget are you looking at?

upto £350 at this point but could stretch to £400, i'll be using it for years to come so want something decent.

 

[Jay85]

I would not use the Tacima on both the PC and the audio. A very quick story I do something with AI where my computer is working hard for long time. I use to have PC, monitors, audio amp all on the same Tacima strip. What would happen is when my computer was processing the AI, the sound would be less dynamic. What was happening is the Tacima is restrictive, to solve I have to move the audio onto it's own Tacima.

Re speakers. The Edifiers you purchased are probably the best 2.1's for the money. The issue with most 2.1's is the satellite speakers are to small, and small speakers can't reproduce mid / vocals correctly.

I use to run a 2.1 system but with 4.25" driver desktop speakers, however I have now moved to 5" driver studio monitors and I don't miss a sub woofer.

Noted, won't be doing that then haha. I have quite a few extensions as i run a lot of hardware including multiple monitors, ambient lighting, steering wheel/peddle set, oculus charging etc. Must have at least 3 extensions running off 2 wall plugs at the moment.

That's something i would consider too, i ran Creative T40ii's for quite some years and they were okay but the introduction of a sub was nice. If i can get decent 2.0 without a sub but produces the same quality of audio i will consider it.

 

[Jay85]

I'm not sure, analogue output from Gigabyte motherboards is horrible however.

Again you need to borrow an old school separates CD player, can your uncle not lend you one.

I'll ask him tonight, he's not that far away, it's just whether he's willing to lend me some of his hardware knowing how expensive some of it is.

Actually thinking about it, i have an old Bluray player, not sure what connections it has at the back though. Will need to look tonight.

 

[Jay85]

This is the noise im hearing and i’ve tried it with both units with the same results.
https://youtube.com/shorts/FQ510VRo7sQ?feature=share

What i’ve found so far.

the newer unit seems to do it even when nothing is plugged in, regardless if theres a source or not.

the older unit doesn’t do on some sources when nothing is plugged in.

I’ve moved the speakers away from the pc and its still doing it including trying a different wall socket altogether.

@Drumroll @JasonM


Am i just that unlucky to get 2 faulty units in a row?

 

[Jay85]

Sorry, away in Italy now.
I would try the 3.5 to RCA from a phone to the speakers.
The high pitch issue, for most of the users affected, happens even if no source is connected, and regardless of output (optical, PC, etc).
Yours seems to be an issue with the source.
Tried to change my sample rate when you first mentioned that the issue wasn't present at 44.1Khz. No issues here.
If another source solves the issue, a Creative G6 is a great kit for the money.

Was just looking at the G6, how is it connected up? Optical to pc and optical to speaker/sub?