Fascinating indeed. We can run this down we just have to work by the numbers and it will get sorted.
Have you tried a different cable than the one you took from the desktop to your notebook? If you are right on the coast connectoritis is quite common and can occur both inside and outside the system unit. Check all of the connections carefully looking for any crud or corrosion.
I used the same cable to compare the notebook and the desktop.
Who made the trackball and how does it connect to your system unit?
Logitech connected to a USB via a dongle. No difference in noise level with and without the dongle plugged in.
You said wireless so I am guessing it connects via USB?
Yes. And I unplugged that and all other USBs and noise did not change.
Have you tried unplugging the trackball while playing music?
Yes. No change, with and without playing music.
If the trackball can add noise does unplugging it while listening to music reduce the noise?
No, no change.
Do you carry the trackball between your desktop and notebook?
No.
If the only thing moving between your desktop and notebook was the USB cable then lets please set that one aside while we troubleshoot the issue.
Here are a few general questions but we might as well try to cover everything.
I forgot to ask earlier, PC or Mac? If running Windows which version?
PC, Windows 7
How is your desktop unit connected to the wall outlet? any surge suppression or battery back-up? (any major electrical storms or power outages lately)
PC connected through the "surge only" side of a large APC UPS along with the Outlaw amp. Previously I powered the amp from a smaller surge suppressor to see if there was any change in the mechanical noise in the amp from the toroidal transformer. No change in either the transformer buzz or the USB noise between the two.
What else is plugged in through the same outlet?
Nothing else.
How do you connect to the internet?
DSL via Century Link Prism router.
What is connected to the computer and how does it connect? Are you using all factory cables or have you switched any of them for some reason?
A Davis Instruments weather station is plugged into the computer as well as the APC USB, and a TV used as a monitor. There was no change when I unplugged all USBs.
Has anyone worked on the computer requiring the case to be opened? If so what service was performed?
Only me. I replaced an optical drive and added an AMD Radeon HD 7700 Series video card.
I know it is a bunch of questions but we should be able to narrow it down quickly.
I have ordered the Schiit Wyrd Decrapifier. If that solves the problem without spending more hours of troubleshooting it will be well worthwhile. If not, I'll return it. I should get it by Jan 7 and have more info mid-week.
Question: Should the USB "in" be totally quiet even with the volume control on the RR2150 cranked up 25% or beyond without music playing? 25%+/- volume setting is when I begin hearing the USB noise.