Static noise on all audio except when played through Groove Music

Okay, this is a really weird one. For the last 2 months I've been experiencing this reoccurring issue on my new Dell XPS 13 laptop where 1-2 times a day, the audio will suddenly get extremely staticy. It generally will last at least 1 minute but sometimes significantly longer, and will affect all audio, including Windows alert sounds and even the "Playback device" test sound. This affects both the internal laptop speakers and any AUX device. I have not experienced the issue when audio is played through HDMI/DP, but I haven't been able to test it enough to know for certain.

However, there is one exception that I have only discovered today: the audio issue does NOT affect any files played through Win10's new default player, Groove. I have played exactly the same audio file on both VLC and Groove—even concurrently—to confirm.

I've posted a link below to an MP3 recording of it: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8...Ho5a3R5emUyS0k

I've spoken to Dell and we have tried countless fixes that I've tried to list below, but the problem persists:

• Fresh reinstall of Windows
• Replaced motherboard (twice?)
• Uninstalled Realtek audio drivers
• Updated BIOS
• Tried changing all settings in the Realtek HD Audio Manager
• Probably 4-5 other issues

Anyone got any fresh ideas?

Thank you!