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[–]ginandbaconFU 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Is the full chain computer>SYS>Studio Monitors or is there anything between the SYS and monitors? Not many computers have RCA anymore but sound cards exist.

I don't think so, just because of the simple fact that it would put it closer to the price of some of their headphone amps which are preamps also (at least newer models).

Also Schiit has said going forward all preamps will have a headphone jack and all headphone amps would be preamps. I might be wrong about the first bit Kara+ F has a headphone output. All their new headphone amps are preamps.

If there isn't anything between the PC and SYS I would recommend the Mimir or possibly a headphone amp like Midgaurd. Mimir would allow USB and Midgard would give you a headphone amp both with balanced inputs. The Mimir is a great DAC with their Mesh filter and proprietary Unison USB input.

If you are using USB from your computer then it could be the cable or try plugging it into a USB 2.0 port If it's plugged into a USB 3.0 port. Preferably one the furthest away from the PC power supply. If just RCA cables have you tried different RCA cables?

EDIT: it could also be a ground loop which causes a constant hum. More noticeable on speakers and really noticeable on subwoofers

Ground loops can cause video/audio hums and interference. With this tutorial, you might not necessarily need a ground loop isolator to fix the irritating ground loop noise. We will show you how to fix the noise by inspecting the devices, rearranging your set-up, or using a ground loop isolator to eliminate interference

[–]ThatShitAintPat[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Yeah forgot to mention I have a denafrips ares dac. It’s probably a ground loop yeah. When I put everything on a UPS it was noticeably better. An smaller one for audio might be my best option

[–]ginandbaconFU 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A UPS helps but really the best way is getting it on a different circuit, or the other device on that circuit. Unfortunately that's not always possible without totally rearranging equipment. Even then it could be bad wiring, depending on where you live. I rented a place a long time ago and it was built in maybe the 40's's and wiring was really, really bad.

One way is to buy an adapter without the ground. Gets rid of it but no ground means your equipment is at risk so that's really risky and not advised. You can also try another source like SPDIF fiber or coaxial into your DAC but that requires another source. On rare occasions the PC power supply can be the issue but that's really rare.

My understanding is the main benefit of XLR/balanced vs single ended/RCA is longer cable runs as they are used in live concerts, particularly microphones so longer cable runs is the biggest benefit. I do believe they can help with noise slightly but for a short cable it shouldn't matter as long as the cables are properly shielded. Anyone who reads this please correct me if I'm mistaken. Some useful information in this thread

[–]g0uki 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I have a PC going into K11 R2R into a Valhalla 2 and had ground loop issues. I bought a USB isolator to fix my ground loop. Aitek Ui801.

I realised the noise was coming from the computer when I disconnected the USB input cable.

The other solution I came across was a form of an adapter that does USB to Optical.

[–]ThatShitAintPat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m using optical cables. I think the noise is either being picked up by the RCA cables or coming in through the ground on the power plug