[Inev]

I recently acquired a Schiit stack (Modi 2 + Magni 2 Uber)

I love it, however, when I play games (or just stress the GPU even) the Modi will start outputting a buzzing noise via my monitors (JBL LSR305).

This happens with the monitors connected to the Magni, or directly to the Modi.

My current connections are as follow:

* "USB DAC-UP" port on my [Motherboard](https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z170X-Gaming-3-rev-10#ov) -> Schiit Wyrd (purchased to resolve this issue)
* Schiit Wyrd -- USB --> Modi
* Schiit Modi -- [Introprose bridge](https://introprose.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/rca-crossconnect-for-schiit-stack) --> Schiit Magni Uber
* Schiit Magni Uber -- Stagg RCA to TS cable --> Monitors

A note on the connections, I have a set of [Audioquest RCA Jumpers](http://www.audioquest.com/audio-enhancements/preamp-jumpers) that mitigate the issue but due to the size leave the Magni half way up in the air.

Even turning off the Wyrd, the issue will continue.
Different USB ports or cables make no difference
Changing the volume in the Magni or windows makes no difference
Changing the output in windows makes no difference
There is no audible noise coming from the actual hardware in the computer
The fan speed of the GPU has no effect
Plugging the computer and the monitors into the same power strip makes no difference


I used to have a FiiO Olympus E10, which did not have this problem.
I also noticed that higher FPS leads to higher noise. For instance 60fps is a loud low buzzing, 2000fps (on a low requirement game like FTL) leads to a quieter but higher pitched noise

I'm at a loss right now and other than getting a Modi 2 Uber (which honestly at this point I've reached out to see if I can return the original hoping it could fix this) I don't know what else to do.
Would highly appreciate any suggestions!

 

[ProtegeManiac]

I recently acquired a Schiit stack (Modi 2 + Magni 2 Uber)

I love it, however, when I play games (or just stress the GPU even) the Modi will start outputting a buzzing noise via my monitors (JBL LSR305).

This happens with the monitors connected to the Magni, or directly to the Modi.

My current connections are as follow:

* "USB DAC-UP" port on my [Motherboard](https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-Z170X-Gaming-3-rev-10#ov) -> Schiit Wyrd (purchased to resolve this issue)
* Schiit Wyrd -- USB --> Modi
* Schiit Modi -- [Introprose bridge](https://introprose.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/rca-crossconnect-for-schiit-stack) --> Schiit Magni Uber
* Schiit Magni Uber -- Stagg RCA to TS cable --> Monitors

A note on the connections, I have a set of [Audioquest RCA Jumpers](http://www.audioquest.com/audio-enhancements/preamp-jumpers) that mitigate the issue but due to the size leave the Magni half way up in the air.

Even turning off the Wyrd, the issue will continue.
Different USB ports or cables make no difference
Changing the volume in the Magni or windows makes no difference
Changing the output in windows makes no difference
There is no audible noise coming from the actual hardware in the computer
The fan speed of the GPU has no effect
Plugging the computer and the monitors into the same power strip makes no difference


I used to have a FiiO Olympus E10, which did not have this problem.
I also noticed that higher FPS leads to higher noise. For instance 60fps is a loud low buzzing, 2000fps (on a low requirement game like FTL) leads to a quieter but higher pitched noise

I'm at a loss right now and other than getting a Modi 2 Uber (which honestly at this point I've reached out to see if I can return the original hoping it could fix this) I don't know what else to do.
Would highly appreciate any suggestions!

Did you try the SPDIF output from the motherboard?

 

[Inev]

Unfortunately the Modi 2 only supports USB (i'd need the Modi 2 Uber for optical), and I don't have the cables to connect TRS/XLR to 3.5mm at the moment.

Could this be a ground loop issue? If it is would I be better off getting a ground loop isolator or a DI box?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Unfortunately the Modi 2 only supports USB (i'd need the Modi 2 Uber for optical)...

I misunderstood and thought "Uber" applied to both the Magni2 and Modi2 in your post.

...and I don't have the cables to connect TRS/XLR to 3.5mm at the moment.

I don't see how that can help other than to isolate the problem as coming from your PC or the Schiit gear, but while the Audioquest short cables connecting the Magni2 Uber and Modi2 can mitigate the issue, the FPS affecting what noise suggests it's coming from your PC, specifically the graphics card.

Could this be a ground loop issue? If it is would I be better off getting a ground loop isolator or a DI box?

Could be. If that doesn't work try a Modi2 Uber via SPDIF since that will isolate the USB power than still having to use USB and trying to clean it up with the Modi, although it's no guarantee.

If you have a spare power strip with a long enough cable try connecting it to another wall socket and then connect the Wyrd, Magni2 Uber, and speakers to that one.