DarkVoice 336SE buzzing noise

Hello there I am very new to this forum and I couldn’t find an answer to the problem I’m having with my DV 336se. Ever since I got it there is a buzzing noise that’s not much noticeable with music playing. I want to mention that I am using the unit as a preamp (connecting the rear output section to a power amp that has a direct Main IN). There is no buzz at all if I use the DV with headphones. Also, when removing the left of the RCA output on the DV, the buzz goes away. I’ve tried different RCA cables and the same result. Also, I’ve noticed, if the Volume is at 0 the buzz is there, then when I turn it to about 9 o’clock the buzz is almost gone, and then above 10 o’clock, it comes back. Hum is also apparent but not as noticeable as the buzz.

Any idea what kind of issue I’m facing? Does it sound like I need to ISO the unit powering to a different outlet? I want to mention that the room has the latest electrical wiring and above and beyond the minimum requirement. It’s a studio so everything wired here to have minimum noise.

Thank you in advance.

Could be a ground loop. Try unplugging the RCAs and take a listen to the “silence”.

Thank you for writing to me.
If I unplugged the RCA no signal will go through there for the speakers won’t hear anything.
As I mentioned, when I unplugged the Left side of the output the buzz goes away completely.
I too think it’s a ground issue but not sure if it’s internally maybe cold solder joint etc… Or something else.

The idea is to troubleshoot for a “ground loop”. With the DarkVoice not having any signal going to it, you could trouble shoot it stand alone (buzzing on headphones = bad internal ground).

Buzzing on the speakers with DV not having a source plugged in = Ground Loop with speakers.

Buzzing on DV when connected to source but not to speakers = Ground Loop with Source.

MazeFrame… Great idea thank you for the suggestion. Will keep you posted on the results.
Thank you again.
Just for an experiment, if I would use the headphone output of the DV to an Integrated Amp, where would you plug it to for best result? I am using Onkyo A-9150 that has a MAIN IN which is just the power amp of the Onkyo. Would I plug the DV headphone out in there?

Thanks.

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You mean the 6.3mm in the front of the DV?
I would not plug that to anything but headphones.

The RCA’s in the back of the DV are meant for that.