Was hoping that wouldn't be the answer, but I guess I've got to face the fact that it is. Any suggestions for a budget-minded consumer that uses his card for about 90% music and 10% movies (but no surround sound gizmos necessary)? Thanks.

Any ideas?

Just tried that and also switched to stock drivers... same issue. AGH, thank you for reminding me of how much I HATE stock drivers on this card :P haha... just made it back to the kX...

This appears to be more of a source question now, here is the new thread: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/au...8/#post5999083

Running the following: Audigy 2 ZS with kX drivers -> Monster THX cable -> DarkVoice 332 w/Mullard M8100 and Ulyanovsk 6S19P-V -> AKG K701. Problem is that the A2 is hissing... if I crank the volume beyond 40% on the amp, I hear it. Isn't affected at all by the volume on the computer...

Actually don't know why I didn't think to try another source, just didn't think the source was the problem I guess. My source right now is my desktop computer (Creative Audigy 2 ZS); plugged in my iPhone and sure enough, not a single hiss even at maximum volume. I was inclined to think...

So I'm aware that tubes go bad after so many hours. I've had Mullard M8100 and Ulyanovsk 6S19P-V tubes in my DV332 amp hooked up to my AKG K701 for about a year now. They still sound pretty good though lately I've noticed a hissing sound at higher volumes. If I turn the amp more than about 40% I...

Dear Lord what an improvement... I am speechless...!!! And they are dead-silent when nothing is playing!

I'm a Charlottean who likes this idea!

PrTv: My impressions are positive, then again, I don't have much to compare it to as I've never had a pair of cans even close to being as good as the K701. They ARE bright, I will tell you that, some people like it and some don't... I happen to be someone that does. One of the first things I...

Thanks Peete, I haven't noticed any of those effects with these tubes; the channel that doesn't have the bad tube is dead-silent when there's nothing playing. But hopefully I'll fare just as well with the new tubes. The amp is located on the very top shelf of my desk hutch which I did so that I...

Thanks for the help-- yeah, I know that tube rolling has been long overdue. I've liked this amp from the beginning but I've been waiting to put some tubes in it that would really "blow me away". I'll update with my thoughts once my M8100 and 6S19P-V tubes arrive. The eBay seller I bought from...

I messed with the tubes a little further this morning and tried bending the pins out, to no avail. I tried switching the two power tubes around and the problem channel didn't change, so it seems that the problem is the shorter tube (don't know the name for it?). I figured since I was replacing...

Yup, actually I JUST finished swapping the tubes and sure enough, the hum moved to the right channel. I guess the short answer is just that I need new tubes, right? Where's the best place to get them and what kind should I go for? PS: Is it a bad idea to leave the tube covers off? I had...

Thanks for the helpful post we can eliminate the cable completely from the diagnosis, as it happens even without any cable plugged in whatsoever. WiFi interference is possible as there is a wireless router about 6ft away, and the amp is located right near a ton of computer equipment (directly...