You do not need to extract pre-emphasis/de-emphasis, Hugo 2 will do everything automatically via the SPDIF emphasis flag that is embedded within the SPDIF standard. Note that only a very few CDs from the 80s actually used emphasis, so not something to worry about today.

...Extract pre-emphasis or de-emphasis? I remembered you mentioned the Hugo2 handles this automatically. What's the optimal? My whole chain is on fire and humming well, so I want to make sure I feed the Hugo2 properly. I have zero weakness in the chain, so I don't want to make a misstep.

...is also highly recommended (by experts, not me) to always keep RCA cables as short as practicably possible. To me, unless you hear audible humming/buzzing (ground loop issues) it sounds like your system is setup very nicely! If you want to go closer to ideal, try running your laptop and...

I had the same issue with a streamer, where the humming stopped when touching the case. The Groundhog solved the issue for me.

Rob's mentioned that Hugo2 needs to be grounded in your case. The Groundhog will help to ground Hugo2 (or your USB source...). As mentioned above you can ground Hugo2 (or USB source) for way less than USD49 if you're ok with DIY, otherwise it's a good solution. As mentioned, if you can try it...

If I understand ifi correctly, the Groundhog is designed to work if humming increases when touching — they call it their “touch test” . In our cases, the humming stops when touching the Hugo. Would the same cure work? Cheers!

Thanks @Rob Watts for shipping in on the issue of hum. To clarify, do you describe the scenario of humming when touching the Hugo, or the humming disappearing when one touches the Hugo? I am having problem with the latter...For the former, ifi believes to provide an earthing solution, if I...

I have the same issue in the Netherlands with Hugo2 and Mojo. It also goes away when I touch them. I also tried it with another Hugo2 at my dealer, same thing happened.

Do you get any tingling, similar to that described in this post.

This is the strange part... I thought a loop is required to have a ground loop issue... with no USB source connected (and no source at all connected) then there is no 'loop'...

A search of this thread for ‘humming’ throws up the following results. It might be that there are some helpful suggestions there for you to look at. https://www.head-fi.org/search/28634325/?q=Humming&t=post&o=date&c%5Bthread%5D=831345

Does it do it via every outlet in your house?

Humming Hugo 2 -- what to do? When connected to the mains (I am based in the UK), I have a humming/buzzing through the headphones. When I touch the Hugo, the humming disappears. Also, I have no humming when the Hugo running on batteries. To add to my confusion, I have no humming when I have the...

I had the same problem when using CA Andromeda with CH2. The IFI Groundhog solved the problem.

I had a humming sound with a different device. I used an IFI Groundhog and it stopped the hum.

Good to know that you've found it useful. Cheers!

I concurr about KMann. To clarify; are you using the groundhog for your H2 power supply, or on your Mac?

iFi Audio Groundhog: I had some ground noise "humm" in my chain. ( Hugo 2 & lcd i4 ) Thanks to the groundhog..... humming noise is gone. Kudos to @iFi audio Thanks @KMann Hugo 2 + lcd i4 + groundhog connected to RCA out. ifi audio groundhog connected to macbook pro (charging on) via usb...

Is that the original micro usb cable that came with your H2 or after market and would you say LCDi4 is better than 64audio Tia Fourte?

I will have to try this too then. Does anyone know if the bundled USB cable with the H2 is of reasonable construction (shielding etc)?

Initially my pairing of HUGO 2 + LCD i4 had RF/HUMMING noise on iMac. After applying ferrite cores the troublesome noise is gone. Thanks for the advice.

Thanks for the recommendation. If my wife whispers, "hey, man up a bit there...", you'll know I loved it. I found this: http://www.hdtracks.com/handel-israel-in-egypt thoughts? Next up: I search or wait for HD Tracks coupon. Cause, you know, I could quit at any time. OT: I enjoy...

...in Egypt" is still up, both in stereo, and as binaural on the BBC PROMS sites. I started my day yesterday with it and Handel's wonderful music with a mix of both his "Messiah" and "Fireworks Music" thrown into one and the same work had me humming in great spirit all day. Cheers Christer

Thanks @Christer I was interested to understand whether this was acceptable as part of a recording. I know that it is considered part of a jazz recording, but I am a newcomer regarding classical recordings.

Unfortunately that is a common problem with many modern far too close-mic'd recordings. Colin Davis is heard moaning and humming along on quite a few of his recordings. And Manfred Honeck makes far too much audible breaths contribution to the Tchaikovsky 6th I posted here recently to mention...