Thank you Gonk. I had planned on asking that. I guess I assumed that others would try it for me and chime in with their experiences, but I never did ask.

m-mmeyer - Thanks! I can't wait to hear what you come up with.

HIFI - the switch is correct (8) and I have tried different cables. Nothing seems to shake this sound...or even change it.

Jason J - I don't think it is overpowering the speakers, but my understanding could be way off. The static is the same at volume 10 as it is as 40, just gets louder and softer with the volume, but still there and always sounds the same. Here is the stats on the mains...
300 watt Class D subwoofer amplifier built-in
10-inch molded-composite subwoofer and 12-inch passive radiator built-in
6.5-inch molded-composite midbass driver
4-inch molded-composite midrange
1-inch reinforced silk dome tweeters with Neodymium magnets
Speaker level, SUB and L/R link connections
Compatible with any amplifier or receiver rated between 10 and 300 watts