I have some friends that have what sounds like a radio station coming through their entertainment center/system. It is not when the radio is on of course, this is what sounds like feedback from a local source (local tower, etc). I'm not sure what is going on here. I installed a home network/phone/CATV distribution panel from Leviton at which time the user moved into the house. They are also wondering whether it is the phone/network setup that could be causing it. I'm not a AV "expert", but I somewhat doubt the possibility that a Leviton phone panel would/could cause this kind of interference. I'm not sure what specifically they have installed. It looks like your standard run-of-the-mill Home theatre in a box (HTIB)

BTW, If it helps any I thought I read another post (possibly in the speaker forum - can't remember) that sounded really familiar to my situation. However, this was a while ago and I cannot find the post again. Anyway, anyone with insight into this situation that wants to respond is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

No one huh, I can't be the only one who's had wiring that can pick up feedback from local sources. Any advice is appreciatted.

Thanks.

Figure out how the signal is entering the amp, then use ferrite beads/cores to reduce the ingress.

Targus is right. Basically long wires can act like antennas gathering RF signals in the air. Then, any rectifying junction regardless of how poor, will detect that signal similar to the way a crystal radio works. Undoubtedly the signal is coming from an AM station especially if the audio is relatively clear. A simple rectifying junction cannot detect an FM signal as it requires a more sophisticated detector. The solution as Targus said is to use Ferrite cores to choke (trap) out the signal on the wire prior to it entering your equipment. You can find snap-on ferrites at Radio Shack. You place them at the entry of the wire to your preamp(typically the problem) I would first try using a ferrite on the power cord. If you can loop the power cord through the ferrite a couple times, it will increase the choking action. You can eliminate other lines from suspicion by unplugging them and seeing if the station is still there.

..Doyle

Thank you both! for the information here. I've done some more googling and found more information that backs your theories up. It sounds exactly like what is going on here and makes perfect sense. They live in a newer home built on a hill and when you look outside the living room window there is a radio tower less than a mile away. (Not saying that is where it's coming from, but it sure is a possibility).

Looks like we'll be buying some ferrites. :)

Thanks!

I am having the same problem. I identified the component video cable as the problem. I tried using the ferrite choke to suppress the noise, but to no avail. Any ideas?

I the component cables are connecting an hd receiver to a video projector.

Do you think getting higher quality component cables will help?

For anyone else facing this problem, better quality cables seemed to work.