Thx, both are brand new but I went and cleaned both contacts.  Unfortunately, still get the noise.  I paid a bit more attention and realized I do also get the very quiet buzzing with other attys/cartos as well.  They just heat-up quicker and hiss more loudly so I didn't notice it till I tried with the DID.  All-in-all, seems to work just fine.  The VV Gripper actually vapes really nicely.