• Registered: 2023-11-26
  • Posts: 4

Topic: Crackling static using headphones

I just got the Adi-2 and have tro sets of headphones. IEM Sennheiser 300 and LCD-X. The LCD-X’s are a brand new purchase.

I have a problem with the LCD-x. There is a static noise in the left ear cup. If I touch the Adi-2 it lessens. Almost as if it discharges static electricity. If I rub my feet against the carpet the problem increases. If I touch the ear up with my fingers it creates a crackling noise.

It seems the problem is static/grounding, but I don’t know how to fix it. Maybe the headphones are overly sensitive/broken. But the music they play sounds good.

Does anyone have suggestions for solution?

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2023-11-26 10:24:10)

  • KaiS
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  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
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Re: Crackling static using headphones

That’s a typical phenomenon that appears mainly with planar magnetic headphones. The thin diaphragm acts like an electrostatic headphone.

The cause is static electricity and goes away once you ground your system at any position.

A plug like this, connected to any metal part of ADI-2, could serve for the purpose:

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B082DYQK1S/?co … _lig_dp_it

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gwi0olBzL._AC_SX679_.jpg


Another solution is buying the PSU that is supplied with ADI-2/4 Pro SE.
It has the special ground arrangement that works against the problem, without causing ground loops in already grounded systems.

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  • Registered: 2023-11-26
  • Posts: 4

Re: Crackling static using headphones

Thank you for the quick tip.

Do the power strip that supply the power need to have the third prong/grounded? Or does the Warmbier plug just work no matter what.

A lot of IT stuff is powered through the same power outlet, and the power strips that I use are not the grounded….

4 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2023-11-26 16:30:30)

  • KaiS
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Re: Crackling static using headphones

pbroen wrote:

Do the power strip that supply the power need to have the third prong/grounded?

Yes, of course.

pbroen wrote:

Or does the Warmbier plug just work no matter what.

It can’t supply safety ground if it isn’t linked to it.

Depending on your country’s power system a fitting plug might look different.


The perfect solution, even long term, is ADI-2/4 Pro SE’s PSU, which should be available from RME.
It can be identified by it’s 3-prong mains- and lockable DC-connector, and power rating of 12V 3.3A.

Beware - there are 3rd party offers that look the same, have same device number and power rating MINUS the lockable 5.5 mm DC connector.
These basically work, but have a different safety ground arrangement that can cause ground loops in certain configurations.

EDIT: Then there is one with soft ground for ADI-2 DAC / ADI-2 Pro from RME too, with non-lockable connector, see:
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.ph … 66#p210966

KaiS's Website

5 Reply by pbroen (edited by pbroen 2023-11-26 16:09:59)

  • Registered: 2023-11-26
  • Posts: 4

Re: Crackling static using headphones

I would prefer to get that upgraded power supply if it does the same job with grounding.

Is there a way to buy it?

6 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2023-11-26 16:41:07)

  • KaiS
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Re: Crackling static using headphones

pbroen wrote:

I would prefer to get that upgraded power supply if it does the same job with grounding.

Is there a way to buy it?

Another search cross the RME page finally revealed at least one that would do for ADI-2 DAC and ADI-2 Pro, although with non lockable connector, RME number NT-RME-12:

https://www.rme-audio.de/de_cables-adapters.html
(Go to Power Supply)

This is NOT for ADI-2/4 Pro SE, which already is delivered with such a soft grounded, albeit little stronger PSU.


Get RME NT-RME-12 here for 29 bucks:
https://www.thomann.de/de/rme_nt_rme_12 … supply.htm

https://www.rme-audio.de/assets/images/d/NT-RME-12-6029cd8d.jpg

KaiS's Website