As far as ground loops.....my unit has been installed in my car for close to two years now and it was trouble free up until about 6 months ago. My installation has not changed at all in the car. So unless something has come loose possibly, I don't think it's a ground loop. But I could be wrong. I am running version 2.00 final of the Empeg software. I've tried going back to the earlier versions but the same problems were appearing. I can post my boot log but I will need to find myself another serial cable as mine seems to have misplaced itself My cage is perfectly fine, the edges are rolled and the unit is making perfect contact with the connector....