Creative Inspire P5800 5.1 - Static

Ok, here's the scenario: I have a Creative Inspire P5800 5.1 speaker system (have had it for about 2 years) but it has constant static if the wired remote control cable is plugged in. If the wired remote control cable isn't plugged in there is no static, but consequently, no sound either, i.e. the speakers don't work without it.

At all other times the static is there. Even if the PC is turned off and only the speakers have power, it's there. No single speaker is causing it because even if I pull them all off and stick stereo headphones in the wired remote, I can hear the static. I've also pulled off the speaker cables from my Creative Audigy 2 sound card, but it does nothing to the static.

Any ideas?

Sounds like the audio amplifier in the unit itself is going bad. Since you said that there is no one speaker that is contributing to the static more, then it must be related to the amplifier (which provides output to all speakers). I don't know what the warrantly period is on those speakers, but you might want to check into that.

I'm afraid the warranty is not in effect anymore. Are there any tools/software to check if it's the amplifier? It certainly doesn't matter if those options would void the warranty...

I believe what happens to an amp after some time (or after a good power surge) is that the capacitors, solder joints, and resistors begin to fail. If it's about 2 or 3 years old, it could be a capacitor. If you don't have much experience working with the internals of electronic devices, then there's not much you can do. If you do, however, just look for the screw holes and open up the case to get to the amp. You can at least do a visual inspection to see if it is a leaky or bulging capacitor. Sometimes a power surge can cause that to happen (I had it recently happen to a power supply). Now obviously the unit should not be plugged in if you decide to do this. If it's a leaky capacitor, more than likely you can desolder that one and replace it with a capacitor that is rated the same.

I was wondering, though, if you've tried hooking it up to another computer or audio source such as the headphone outputs on a stereo. It can also be your sound card for your computer, as it has a lot of capacitors and is also a small amplifier. Just test the speakers somewhere else and see if the static dissappears.

I forgot to tell you that I used to use a Creative 5.1 system (forgot the model number) that was around the same specs as this one. I, too, started experiencing problems with it. It started making popping and cracking noises every once in a while whether I was playing games or just browsing the net. I don't think the sub-$100 Creative speakers have very good parts in them. If you have to go and buy another set of speakers, I recommend Logitech or Altec Lansing for good, but less expensive speakers. Both of these brands tend to still put quality parts in there sub-$100 speakers.

I thought a little more about your problem. What other devices do you have next to or plugged into the same outlet as the speaker system? Some devices can generate "noise" or interference short range through the air or through the outlets (if they are poorly designed or malfunctioning). Another thing the static might come from is the amp's grounding wire or solder joint has come loose or brittle, respectively. By tightening up the grounding screw or by resoldering, you may be able to eliminate some of the noise. You might think about trying these solutions first, before what I suggested above. Hope this helps!