Expert: Cleggsan - 12/4/2009

Question
Since I installed a home theatre system, I have been hearing a ticking sound that seems to be one a second. All inputs, all speakers -- I added four speaker to the amplifier. I changed the routing of the power to go through a battery back up to see if it would clean the power any. I am running the amp on a 25 foot extension cord (#10) since the outlet is about 12 feet away. Thoughts on trouble shooting will be appreciated.  

Answer
You must learn where the ticking sound is coming from.

-  Bypass the battery backup as I don't think it is part of this analysis - unless the ticking sound is coming from it.

-  If from the speakers, listen very close with your ear buried up close to each speaker and determine which speaker specifically is producing the sound.  Or, if more than one which one is the loudest and does it go up and down in loudness with the volume control, balance or tone controls.

-  If coming from inside one of the components such as the amp or receiver, etc. find out which one and where the sound is coming from within that box; front or back of the set or from inside the transformer, etc.

-  If you have a separate amplifier driving the speakers disconnect the input cables from it to see if the ticking stops.

Once you can characterize the sound and where it is coming from let me know that result. Also, I must have the make and model number for the receiver, amps and speakers as best you can.

Hope this helps you troubleshoot for it.  Then let  me know more.