Background
I've identified what I think is a ground loop. I can hear a buzzing sound and noise. I've managed to reduce the noise significantly by using different ports, outlets, and surge protectors. But it is still noticeable with my headphones on high gain.
Setup
Here is my current setup where I've identified what connection causes the noise:
PC -> USB 3 Hub (power + audio) -> Topping D50s -> JDS Atom (High Gain) -> Headphones (M50x, HD599) = No Noise
Add grounded JBL 308P MKII to the JDS Atom in the above using RCA to XLR cables = Noise with Headphones on High Gain, barely perceptible on low gain. No noise in speakers, but there was before I reduced it.
Goals
I would like to both eliminate this ground loop and use balanced cables since I need 10-25ft cables for my JBL 308Ps and LSR310S sub to be placed optimally. I'm looking for a simple solution that will not have any noticeable effect on the audio quality of my 308Ps or any future upgrade. I would prefer to keep my D50s instead of buying something like a SMSL SU-8. I think i've also read somewhere on ASR that the JBL 305 perform better and have less hiss with a balanced connection and over 2Vrms.
Solution?
From what I've learned, a passive isolator like this should do what I want:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BSY3FP4/ | https://www.radialeng.com/product/stagebug-sb6
Any other suggestions?
Some newb questions:
With a passive isolator that converts to balanced, would the levels on the JBL need to be set to +4dBu instead of -10dBV? Did some Googling, and afaik it should be set to +4dBu in my case with or without the isolator. Also see below.
Does the passive isolator change the Vrms going to the JBL? Shouldn't (SB-6 doesn't because it's a unity gain device)
I've identified what I think is a ground loop. I can hear a buzzing sound and noise. I've managed to reduce the noise significantly by using different ports, outlets, and surge protectors. But it is still noticeable with my headphones on high gain.
Setup
Here is my current setup where I've identified what connection causes the noise:
PC -> USB 3 Hub (power + audio) -> Topping D50s -> JDS Atom (High Gain) -> Headphones (M50x, HD599) = No Noise
Add grounded JBL 308P MKII to the JDS Atom in the above using RCA to XLR cables = Noise with Headphones on High Gain, barely perceptible on low gain. No noise in speakers, but there was before I reduced it.
Goals
I would like to both eliminate this ground loop and use balanced cables since I need 10-25ft cables for my JBL 308Ps and LSR310S sub to be placed optimally. I'm looking for a simple solution that will not have any noticeable effect on the audio quality of my 308Ps or any future upgrade. I would prefer to keep my D50s instead of buying something like a SMSL SU-8. I think i've also read somewhere on ASR that the JBL 305 perform better and have less hiss with a balanced connection and over 2Vrms.
Solution?
From what I've learned, a passive isolator like this should do what I want:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BSY3FP4/ | https://www.radialeng.com/product/stagebug-sb6
Any other suggestions?
Some newb questions:
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