I just received my Axiom System today .. M80's, VP 100 Center,QS8's and a EP350 powered sub. I am getting a humming noise comming from the sub. Is the sub bad or have I just done something wrong. These are all powered by a Denon 3808.

Hello Race

I do not think the sub is bad nor you did anything wrong. This sounds like a ground loop which is a common problem when adding a subwoofer with a 3 prong cable.

The easiest solution in solving and fixing the hum is simply to pick up a cheater plug (3 prong to 2 prong adapter) which simply lifts the ground and will get rid of the hum. They usually cost $1-$2 dollars at any hardware store. If you are not comfortable using a cheater plug here is an excellent article on ground loops.

http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/connec...em-hum-and-buzz

Congrats on your purchase BTW

From the linked article.

"NEVER use a three prong to two prong AC adapter to fix a ground loop problem. These devices are meant to provide a safety ground (via the cover plate screw to a grounded outlet) in the event a three prong plug is used with a two prong outlet. It is always best to lift the ground safely at line levels."


Alan has a good article on ground loops here.

Using a cheater plug is good idea to troubleshoot the hum and still can be used as last resort or if you are lazy like me and can't be bothered to find the hum and just use a cheater plug anyways.

Not recommended!

That's all well and good but I wouldn't advise it to others for fear of liabilities. It wouldn't be good to have someone get hurt on that advise. Call me paranoid.

Totally understandable, that is why I told him if he is not comfortable using a cheater plug to read the link below.

Ya know I remember when, a few years back, when I bought my first Hsu sub it actually came with a cheater plug. That's the truth.

The MFW-15 from AV123 suggest the same thing. As a licensed electrician I can't imagine how prevalent this advice is. AV123 seems to suggest this as a permanent solution. If there is a ground hum IT'S BECAUSE SOMETHING IS WRONG. Find the PROBLEM and get it fixed!

I agree and never understood Hsu supplying them either.

Axiom mentions the use of cheater plugs in the EP350 troubleshooting guide with regards to hum.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/troubleshooting_ep350.html

I don't think any manufacturer out there recommends the use of cheater plugs but it is still an option.

I'm with BOB on that one.You need to findout what the problem is and have it fixed.

Darcy

Thank you all for your advice .. I unplugged it from the wall socket and tried plugging it into my surge protector and lord abd behold the problem was solved .. again thanks to all.

I normally don't plug my subs into a surge protector. Is the surge protector plugged into the same outlet that was causing the hum?