Buzz through headphones

Hello all,
I love my Macbook Pro, but have discovered that I get a constant buzz when using the machine with headphones or external speakers via the 3.5mm audio-out jack. I have to listen carefully to hear it with external speakers, but it is un-ignorable with headphones. I've currently been using Bose Quietcomfort 2 headphones and have been having the problem, but it exists with all other gear used. The only solution I've found is to just use the internal speakers (not always possible) or to keep a hand on the chassis of the computer (which gets rid of the buzz. The noise occurs regardless of whether it's plugged in, on my desk, on my lap, etc...the only fix seems to be to stay in constant skin-to-chassis contact...not quite good enough. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
-Steffen

Hello, I used the Macbook Pro for playback through a professional sound desk and PA system. Probably due to the amount of amplification involved the problem is much more noticeable. I will be going back to using my old Powerbook as it doesn't exhibit any of these problems. The only way to get around this was to run the MBpro through a DI box with a ground lift (see http://www.whirlwindusa.com/tech02.html). This significantly reduced the noise which points to the fact that there is a DESIGN FAULT with the laptop. Especially as it is often used in live sound environments. The only time I have ever come across this problem before was on VERY BUDGET products where you may expect this sort of thing.
Using a ground lift points to a dirty signal that has been affected by usually mains voltage (seems to happen even when not plugged in) I think there must be a poor design somewhere along the line with power bleeding into the soundcard electronics. Its all to do with complicated physics different Mhz etc. When you touch the case of the computer you are effectively acting as an alternative grounding point the stray power is going to you not grounding through the soundcard and speakers, or soundcard and your head with headphones. Whilst this should not pose any harm it is not a good sign.
I would personally be tempted to contact support and explain the situation and ask for a replacement, if they state it is a design fact maybe consider a refund as this as stated earlier is something I have only ever come across on very cheap and inferior products. I guess as it is an apple you didn't pay a price of an inferior product or model?!?
I think I will be holding back a little before upgrading (??????????) my powerbook.
Hope this gives you some background info and ammo?

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