[EchiDna]

Hugh et al,
Any advice on the following:

system currently contains few components, namely AKSA 100 nirvana, GK-1, cd source, heavily modded ART DI/O as my DAC, HTPC input.

problem: ground loop on the HTPC. VERY annoying!
otherwise silent!
unplug the HTPC from the wall socket, no loop, no noise.

I've swapped input positions etc and it is definitely caused by the computer

so... I know I just need to break the earth loop somewhere and from all I've read, I could simply remove the earth pin from either the AKSA or the HTPC and that would do it... of course there is some risks involved in this though... but how great is that risk?

I tried it out and there is deafening silence from the system when either input or amp is "unearthed"

my question really is, how safe is this on a permenant basis? or is there something I could be doing that is more elegant and safe?

TIA,

Glen

[AKSA]

Glen,

It may be that the loop is created by the link between star earth in the AKSA 100N and mains earth.  If you connect mains earth to chassis only, NOT to star earth, breaking chassis and star earth is perfectly safe and you might scotch the hum.  In fact, this is used on all medical electronics.

If, OTOH, you have already broken the connection between star earth and mains earth, then with extra insulation under the toroids you might be OK with a two prong, earthless approach.  However, as a rule I would not recommend this because then the chassis floats, a practice rather less than satisfactory......

Cheers,

Hugh

[EchiDna]

hmm...
Chassis earth was connected to star earth as you surmised Hugh....
So I removed it and.....

The loop? it's officially DEAD yay!  
thanks again

also, the chassis base is made of wood so there is plenty of insulation under the torroids.

[AKSA]

Hmmm,  hummmmm, Glen,

That was easy.  If only the same could be said for Jens GK1!!  He's having a lot of trouble with hum, can't seem to get to the bottom of it.  

Cheers,

Hugh

[EchiDna]

? well I can vouch for the design my GK-1 is totally and completely silent. GL on the remote diagnosis for Jens!

[Jens]

Well, Hugh and I are working hard on the problem. We have riuled out more or less all of the simple things, such as the star earth problem.

The problem with a GK-1R is that you've got more than one pcb to worry about. In my case, the problem seems to be located somewhere on the Relay PCB. Hugh has suggested a few things to try, which I am on to later today (hopefully).

I would also like to add that Hugh has been very supportive in this matter and that I am very grateful for this.

Goodonya, Hugh!

Cheers,