zoidbb
100+ Head-Fier
...Why would the USB shell need to touch the frame? Have you even looked at the USB module? The shell comes into contact with the ground /on/ the PCB, which is itself ground to the chassis. You should /never/ rely on the USB port directly contacting the chassis when designing gear like this, because tolerances tend to leave gaps.
Further, the metal shell on the DAC-side connector isn't even relevant here since it isn't grounded through the USB cable. As per the USB spec, USB cables should ONLY ground on the host side. This is to prevent ground loops, amongst other issues. If you're using a cable that's grounded on both ends you're using a BAD cable.
The holes those screws are connected to are /not/ isolated, and I can't imagine Holo Audio would make such a gargantuan mistake as to depend on the ground from the USB cable when the USB cable isn't even supposed to connect devices to host ground.
Regardless, I've reached out to the manufacturer for clarify on this. We will see what they say. Meanwhile, please go learn the
USB cable spec.
Further, the metal shell on the DAC-side connector isn't even relevant here since it isn't grounded through the USB cable. As per the USB spec, USB cables should ONLY ground on the host side. This is to prevent ground loops, amongst other issues. If you're using a cable that's grounded on both ends you're using a BAD cable.
The holes those screws are connected to are /not/ isolated, and I can't imagine Holo Audio would make such a gargantuan mistake as to depend on the ground from the USB cable when the USB cable isn't even supposed to connect devices to host ground.
Regardless, I've reached out to the manufacturer for clarify on this. We will see what they say. Meanwhile, please go learn the
USB cable spec.