[denjo]

Can someone explain to me why I hear a "tick" sound from my speakers every time I turn on the lights or fan? I think my hifi shares the same electrical outlet as the lights and fan. How do I cure this annoying problem? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Best Regards
Dennis

[Levi]

Hi Dennis,

Some switches are noisy.  Try moving the equipment to a different socket or circuit.  Eventually, it is best to have a dedicated circuit for audio only if price is not an issue.  Sometimes, powerline filters can help in this situations.  You may have to do some investigation and experimentation in curing this anomally. 

-Levi

[denjo]

Hi Levi

Thanks for your helpful pointers. I wish I knew what a dedicated circuit was 6 years ago before I renovated my place. Seems my Hydra-8 and Power Wedge and CIAudio humbuster does not seem to be able to eradicate this anomaly. I won't be able to shift my audio equipment or use another line because ther are only 2 outlets in my living room. Guess I could run a long wire from another point. I'll try and do some experimenting as you suggested.

Best Regards
Dennis

[Tr3vWh0r3]

I get a loud pop when I try and turn the ceiling fan on or off (usually off if listening). It really shows you how much crap is going through your power lines. I am moving into a new place in a couple weeks and will have a loft dedicated to audio and won't be installing a ceiling fan..

[Paul Hynes]

Hi Dennis,

It sounds like your system is picking up RFI (radio frequency interference) caused by the switch contacts arcing due to current surges when actuating the switch. It can also happen when making or breaking a circuit with an inductive load like a fan motor. You can get switches with surge suppression fitted or fit surge suppressors to your switches if you feel confident about doing this yourself. An electrician should be able to help if you explain what you want him to do. If you can’t find any suppression parts in Singapore, I will send you some to try.

I hope you are keeping well.

Best Regards
Paul

[denjo]

Hi Paul

Good to see you here! I am well and hope the same for you.

I recently replaced my interconnects (pre to power, DAC) and am now using the unshielded Slinkylinks. I only get the irritating sound when I use my active pre (McCormack ALD-1). Oddly enough, when the passive Bent Audio TAP is in the chain, I don't get this ticking sound when the lights or fan is turned on or off.

Thanks for your offer to send me the suppression parts, that is very kind of you. I will try to ask my electrician if he stocks these and to perhaps instal them in this one switch that is causing problems.

Best Regards
Dennis

Ps, I replied your email a while back. Keep well and take care!