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Anyone have this happen to them?

I always leave my components on. I have noticed that quite a bit of static electricity exists in my listening room/living room. I went to my preamp and switched from the CD input to the tuner input. The volume was set at a very low level. I was wearing my socks which does not help the static electricity situation. A horrible loud sound came out of my speakers. It sounded like bad radio frequency. I immediately turned the volume down to zero. I then switched to the CD input and checked to see if any damage had occured to the system (None, Thank God).

Both the CD and the Tuner input are balanced inputs and I have shielded balanced interconnects for both components. I have a seperate power circuit that has a Monster Cable HTS 2000 plugged into it. The tuner has a simple non powered Magnum Dynalab ribbon antenna plugged into it.

Any ideas of what happened? I have been listening to the system with no issues since this occured a few hours ago. Any ideas on how to lessen the chance of this occuring again? I would appreciate any feedback.

Thank you,
Drew
drewfidelity
ctyler
17 posts
 
My house has a humidifier but in the winter it cant always keep the level high enough. If the fire place is buring you can forget about it completely.

Another alternative is to spray the carpet with an anti-static spray. You can buy it at the store. However I cant stand the smell of the stuff, makes me cough. A weak solution of fabric softener and water works well to. Actually it works better even better and lasts longer much longer than the anti-static spray.

Depending on the carpet traffic once a week or two weeks is enough at first. After that the period is extended until you clean the carpets which I do about once a year+. You don't need to douse the carpet either a light spray will do.
keis
176 posts
 
A humidifier helps a little. Being in Colorado static discharge is always a problem and it can damage sensitive components usually associated with displays or control circuits. (Even worse if you are inside a computer. You can destroy a 265MB Ram chip with static charge very easily)

Solution is easy. I approach my stereo now and always touch the preamp's metal box before I touch any control. This grounds me through the power supply and never causes any problems. I keep my hand on the cabinet while I'm adjusting any components controls, changing CDs etc.
kusina
78 posts
 
I have two suggestions that are additional to the ones given on this and an earlier thread: (1) Go to the housewares section of your local supermarket and buy a pair of latex gloves. I bought a pair for $1.49 and they work like a charm in preventing static discharges. They also provide a bonus: they prevent oil from one's fingers getting on CDs. (2) Get a can of "Static Stop" from The Fuller Brush Company (1-800-821-7067). It is claimed to be safe to use on fabrics and rugs. A light spraying on one's listening chair and on the rug between the chair and the electronic gear should last a long time. (NEVER spray on your audio and video components, however.)
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