It is a desktop PC and I have tried every USB port on it already, thanks.You can try running it with battery only. The fact Toslink stops it pretty well means it is a ground loop problem. You also might try other USB ports on your computer.
No, when using headphones (both outputs) everything is quiet.Do you hear the hum listening over headphones from the RME?
Okay, I would suggest trying some of those two prong to three prong adapters on your speakers. This lifts the safety ground which can be a source of ground loops. I don't know this is a problem, but this is a cheap way to test it. If the hum and other noise goes away, or goes down a great deal it probably is a ground loop issue. The adapters look something like this and should be pretty cheap like a few bucks.No, when using headphones (both outputs) everything is quiet.
If optical connection solves the problem, then a USB isolator also should. However, be aware not all usb isolators are equal.It is a desktop PC and I have tried every USB port on it already, thanks.
I‘m trying to research right now, whether a USB isolator or something like the jcat USB XE would fix this problem more efficient.
@sq225917: Do you believe a USB isolator would help in this regard?
If optical connection solves the problem, then a USB isolator also should. However, be aware not all usb isolators are equal.
Ideally you want one that fully isolates the power - I believe the IFI defender will do this. It might need an isolated power supply for one side of it also.
I'm concerned though that your xlr connections are not also giving you immunity. Is it a fully balanced connection? (Balanced out on DAC to balanced in on speakers) Both for the mains, and the sub? Do you have any other connections to the speakers? Are the XLR connections fully populated (all three wires) and wired correctly (ground not connected to either of the signals). Does the noise happen on all speakers or just one? If just one does it follow the cable if you move it to a different speaker?
You should not be getting audible ground noise on correctly implemented balanced connections, unless the noise source is horrendous.
Why?Samsung USB-C Headphone Adapter + Intona 7054-X-DK
My favorite Headphone DAC
Samsung USB-C Headphone Adapter + Intona 7054-X-DK
My favorite Headphone DAC
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Korg DS-DAC-10R + Intona 7054-X-DK
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PC -> Intona 7054-X-DK -> Samsung USB-C Headphone Adapter Out -> Korg DS-DAC-10R In -> PC
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Can you run those sweeps without the intona? Might be interesting to see what it is doing in your specific case.
Because it's the best sound for meWhy?
That is almost certainly a ground loop.As the user above mentioned, it worsens with GPU activity.
I see. Would the fact that I remove the GPU and the noise disappears rule out a ground loop?That is almost certainly a ground loop.
A ground fault indicator says nothing about a ground loop. A ground loop doesn't even have to go to mains ground - any circular ground path in your system can be a ground loop.
And a $900 interface can't filter it out, nor can a $90,000 interface (unless they have input galvanic isolation - few do). It doesn't go through the interface electronics - only on the input to output ground, - it is added to the signal on the input to your amp as a result of different ground potentials on either end of the analogue link.
The only solution is to break the ground loop (optical connections are great for this - SOME USB isolators can also do a good job) or to use balanced interconnect throughout.
I have it. It gets extremely hot and caused my interface gui to hang occasionally, something that's incredibly rare. It did take care of the noise though.Most time and cost effective solution is talked about here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-hs02-coming.41614/post-1605962