Thanks to all for the suggestions and info. After listening again tonight I have had no drop outs with the 2nd digital cable in place.
However I think "Almarg" has hit on the root cause.
I have been constantly fighting a ground loop hum that I cannot cure.
I have tried cheater plugs on some/all pieces of equipment, plugging all the audio gear into one strip, isolation transformers ETC ETC.
I have come to the limits of my knowledge of finding the source of the imbalance.
Thanks for the ground/neutral info from "Cdrc".
I think it"s time to call in an electrician. Hopefully I can find one who understands this type of problem.
However I think "Almarg" has hit on the root cause.
I have been constantly fighting a ground loop hum that I cannot cure.
I have tried cheater plugs on some/all pieces of equipment, plugging all the audio gear into one strip, isolation transformers ETC ETC.
I have come to the limits of my knowledge of finding the source of the imbalance.
Thanks for the ground/neutral info from "Cdrc".
I think it"s time to call in an electrician. Hopefully I can find one who understands this type of problem.