1 (edited by lesleyxyz 2024-02-29 00:46:09)

Topic: Humming/noise on RCA

Hi all,

Today I connected my RME ADI 2 DAC output to my Denon amp using RCA, however, my speakers gives cosiderable amount of humming/static.

Things I tried:
- I tried different RCA cables, different port on the amp but it stays.
- Also, my Android TV connected to the Denon amp does not give static.
- When I disconnect USB from the ADI 2 DAC the static goes away.
- When I connect to another amp it also produces the same static.
- I tried to ground a screw of the RME DAC (suggested by another forum post) (I chose a screw that holds the side of the DAC at the bottom)
- Unplugging my PC from the wall does not remove the static, however, unplugging the USB from my PC does??
- Replacing the USB cable & plugging into another PC (laptop) gives the exact same hum

When I increase the volume of the denon, humming gets louder
When I increase the volume of the RME dac, humming remains the same

What are my options?

Thank you and kr,

Lesley

2 (edited by KaiS 2024-02-29 01:50:11)

Re: Humming/noise on RCA

What you have is a so called ground loop.


Without going into detail, the name “…loop” exactly decribes what happens:

Your PC and the Denon amp are both linked to ground via the middle prong of the mains connector. The PC might even get ground from network or monitor cable, or any other peripheral device.
A second ground interlink runs from your PC via USB and RME, through the RCA cable to the Denon.

Finally, for the ground, a full circle / loop is created

Any magnetic (mains hum) field in your room now causes a hum current, running in circles through this loop.
The area covered by this loop defines the amount of the current.


The interims, quick fix no cost solution:
1a. If your amp has input level controls, bring them down as much as possible.
This alone reduces the hum significantly.
1b. Then, pull both RCA’s 1/2 way out either at the amp OR at ADI-2 (not both sides), so the center still makes contact, but the outer shield doesn’t.
This connection usually is quite unstable, and pulling any other plug can make the amp produce a very loud noise, so no permanent solution.
Therefore don’t do 1b. without 1a. (or 4.), as it might break your speakers.


2. Here’s the basic, no cost solution:
Instead of creating a large area loop, run ALL cables, audio, USB and mains, in a string, as close as possible together minimizing the loop area.
Start with a common power strip for PC and Denon, etc.
Combined with 1a. or 4. the hum should become inaudible.


3. The minor costly, clean “pro” solution:
If your Denon amp has balanced / XLR inputs, use a pair of XLR cables as link to ADI-2’s XLR outs.


4. Another, minor costly solution:
Use passive RCA attenuators at the amp side input (if the amp hasn’t got controls).
Like above this reduces the hum by the amount of attenuation.
Combined with 2. the hum should become inaudible.


5. The most costly solution:
Use an Intona USB Isolator to break the gound loop.

Re: Humming/noise on RCA

Hey KaiS,

Thank you so much for your detailed and thorough reply. It helped me understand the issue was related to a ground loop.

I decided to try a cheap ADUM3160 USB isolator, but it didn't work, I didn't even get any sound through.
However, a cheap RCA isolator between the RME dac and my denon amp solved the issue.

Thanks again!

4 (edited by KaiS 2024-03-01 23:46:59)

Re: Humming/noise on RCA

lesleyxyz wrote:

… a cheap RCA isolator between the RME dac and my denon amp solved the issue.

Can you please link to this RCA isolator - others might be interested too - thanx!

5 (edited by lesleyxyz 2024-03-04 19:02:00)

Re: Humming/noise on RCA

My bad, I hate when threads don't post their solution

I used the Audioproject A259 available on Amazon for less than €13