Popping noise while sleeping

I started to notice a "popping" noise (about 1 Hz) when I got external speakers for my Mac Mini. It occurs when the Mac is sleeping and the external screen is on (but sleeping its own "sleep").
If I disconnect the analog audio out (from where the external speakers take their signal) the popping ends.
If I connect headphones to the same jack, I hear no popping in them.
If I hit the power button on the external screen and power it down, the popping ends. It will not return eventhough I power the screen on again.
If I disconnect the USB cable that power the speakers from the Mac, the popping ends, but returns when I connect again.
Any clue to what this problem comes from? Some kind of ground loop?
/BE

Seems we've isolated the problem to Electrical at least. Sounds like a Ground loop somewhere.
See this nice article...
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov04/articles/computerproblems.htm
Audio equipment which uses a double-insulated design needs no earth connection, and so is less susceptible to earth-loop problems. Such equipment will often use two-core mains cable, which has an oval cross-section, and the mains plug will sometimes use a dummy plastic earth pin, as shown here.
Disconnecting the earth wire inside a mains plug might solve an earth loop problem, but it's a dangerous solution, because you're removing an essential electrical safety measure.
And my best guess at this point is the PSU for the Speakers.

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