MOBO Ground Loop Problem? Cannot Solve

[kennytroyofficial]

Hello, I'm having terrible ground loop problems with my new computer build and my music production speakers.

I have tried connecting both Yamaha HS7 speakers to the same outlet, etc etc, but I think it may be a connection issue with my motherboard. Now to be honest I'm not computer part tech-savy outside general knowledge read on forums and articles, but I'll do my best.

My primary question is, is my motherboard compatible with my speakers? I would say yes because this is a decent computer build, but what do I know?

Secondly, how can I solve this ground loop problem otherwise?

My desktop and two speakers are all connected to the same surge protector. I have contemplated buying an external soundboard - thoughts?

I built my computer myself, here are the specs:

Processor: Intel i7-7700k @ 4.2GHZ
Motherboard: TUF Z270 Mark 2
Memory: TridentZ RGB DDR4 2x 8GB Ram
Graphics: GeForce GTX 1050
Hard Drive: Barracuda 2Tb SATA
Power: EVGA 550 G3
Cooler: Corsair H60

 

[Scottray]

First, are you plugging in everything to 3 prong grounded wall sockets? Second, the the speakers have XLR3-31 and phone inputs and the mobo has 3.5mm audio jacks. What kind of jack converters are you using to connect the speakers to the mobo? Third, I'm assuming by ground loop problems, you mean that you're getting buzzing or noise from the speakers?

 

[kennytroyofficial]

First, are you plugging in everything to 3 prong grounded wall sockets? Second, the the speakers have XLR3-31 and phone inputs and the mobo has 3.5mm audio jacks. What kind of jack converters are you using to connect the speakers to the mobo? Third, I'm assuming by ground loop problems, you mean that you're getting buzzing or noise from the speakers?

95% sure that the surge protector is connected by 3 prong grounded wall socket, though I cannot be certain - any way I can double check this?

I am using dual 1/4" TS to 3.5mm TRS aux cable. No type of converter, haven't used one ever and I've only begun to have this issue after building my new computer.

Yes there is buzzing from the speakers.

Thank you for your reply, appreciate the help.

 

[Scottray]

Here's a cheap wall socket tester: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-120-VAC-Outlet-Tester-GRT-3500/202867894. You can find these at any hardware store. Plug it into your surge protector/power strip and it will indicate if it's OK.

One other test I can think of - use the dual aux cable and plug it into a cell phone or ipod and the speakers. If you still get buzzing, it's the grounding of the speakers. If no buzzing, then its the PC that's the source of the noise. Let me know the results.