ACCESSORY
USB Audio Ground-Loop Isolator
Specifications
| Category | Ferrite Choke |
|---|---|
| Brand | Studio Reference |
| Material | Aluminum shell, ADI ADuM3160 isolator chip, isolation transformers |
| Sizes | one size |
| Use case | Eliminate ground-loop buzz on USB-fed desktop DACs. |
| Price (USD) | $65 |
Overview
USB 2.0 inline ground-loop isolator. Galvanically separates the USB ground reference on the host side (PC, phone, streamer) from the audio device side (DAC), breaking the ground loop that produces 60 Hz buzz on many desktop USB-DAC setups.
Uses transformer-coupled USB data lines plus capacitive isolation on the 5 V power rail. Passes USB Audio Class 2 traffic up to 24-bit / 192 kHz PCM and DSD64-over-DoP. The audiophile-grade option uses Analog Devices ADuM3160 isolators for sub-2 ns jitter.
The single most impactful $50 fix in a noisy desktop system. Pairs with the desktop reference DAC and the integrated DAC + amp. See also USB power filter.