Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!mit-eddie!mit-amt!rdsnyder
From: rdsnyder@mit-amt (Ross D. Snyder)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Define "GROUND" (& how to solve a "GROUND" loop prob)
Keywords: ground, loops, earth, ship, plane, audio
Message-ID: <3807@mit-amt>
Date: 29 May 89 01:58:49 GMT
References: <3917@merlin.usc.edu>
Distribution: na
Organization: MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA
Lines: 18

Another solution would be to install isolation transformers in the RCA cords
between the receiver and amp.  This would eliminate DC continuity in the
lines and would prevent ground loops through the audio signal lines.  Use
50Kohm:50Kohm audio transformers of good quality (like with shielding).

I had a similar problem with my home stereo a year ago when I reconnected it,
and an RCA plug was loose.  I heard noticeable hum from the speakers, but
the hum disappeared when I wiggled the RCA plugs.  I was thinking about
opening (disconnecting) the shield of the RCA cords at one end and mounting
threaded studs with wingnuts on the back of my components, which would be
connected together in a star configuration with heavy-gauge wire.

Wouldn't the double ground connections established by the shields of *stereo*
patch cables result in the potential for ground loops in all cases?
I should cross-post this to rec.audio to give the MonsterCable fans something
to chew on.  :-)

-Ross