Gpu interferes with active monitors (ground loop)

[Ony10]

Hello, I've got buzzing noise through my krk rokit6 active monitor speakers and I have concluded that it is the gpu (amd r9 290 tri-xx). My sound card is external and high quality and I have tried a lot of solutions which didn't work out.What seems to work out a bit is powering the speakers through a different plug which is far away from the plug which powers the pc. Although , when I fire up a game the noises come again because of the high gpu load. (using the same power plug results in noises even with moving mouse).I am pretty sure this is a ground loop issue because I have covered with plastic tape the ground of the plug of the speakers and there is complete silence...but I think that is dangerous and don't want it to stay like this.Any advice? Maybe covering the gpu back panel in tape so as not to touch the case or using a DI BOX ? Thanks

[Hugh Robjohns]

You are right that taping over the earth pin in the mains plug is unsafe and unacceptable.

You might find using balanced cables between the audio interface and speakers helps, if you're not using them already.

But most probably you'll need to use a line isolating transformer box plugged in between the interface outputs and speaker inputs. It's a bit like a DI box, but works with line levels in and out. I usually recommend the ART DTI box because of its plethora of connection formats which makes it vey versatile... But there are plenty of others on the market.

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/art-dti

[Jumpeyspyder]

Hi Ony10

Are you really sure its the GPU ?

How does your Interface connect ? Firewire? Usb ?

I solved my recent ground loop with an ochid isolator box

http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm

ther is a thread here:-
https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=59701&p=537951#p537951

[Ony10]

Thanks for the replies...Yes I am sure that it is my gpu indeed because #test1 I used the cpu graphics and #test2 I used another graphics card (both amd r9 200 series)...both of the tests solved the problem :p. Sound card connects through firewire.

[Ony10]

Yup I am sure it is the gpu because I tried with a diffent one and there was complete silence.I also tried connecting my monitor to the cpu graphics and again problem solved. My soundcard connects through firewire. is it possible to remove the ground pin of my audio cables (jack to xlr) ? I think this will be the same as getting a ground loop isolator.

[Hugh Robjohns]

...is it possible to remove the ground pin of my audio cables (jack to xlr) ? I think this will be the same as getting a ground loop isolator.

Yes, it's worth a try -- Best if you break the ground in the XLR plug at the speakers.

[Ony10]

Well I did and it works fine now.I also use a different power plug for my speakers which further minimizes the noise.Thanks for your help anyway