Issues with USB 3.0 and a Music Streamer II DAC?

    Hi, I've been using a Music Streamer II DAC with my AudioEngine A2 speakers for quite a while now (Really enjoy both the DAC and the Speakers!) and I've had no issues over USB 2.0 with my desktop. 

    I just upgraded though to a new laptop (Going to be on-the-go now so I can't do a desktop anymore) and it has USB 3.0 built in.  I've been noticing some crackling and popping that pops up intermittently for no appearant reason or cause, and I'm wondering if my DAC isn't liking USB 3.0 for some reason. 

    My USB ports are backword compatible with both 2.0 and 1.1... so I figured there would be no issue running any USB device on them.  When switching back to USB 2.0, there is no crackling or popping, as expected.

    It sounds almost like a bad amp when it clips... and I have yet to find a trigger for it (ie, when I open certain programs or processes) so I can't see why this is happening. 

    Has anyone else had issues with USB 3.0 running DACs of any type, or more specifically, the HRT Music Streamer II? 

    I have the latest drivers installed for my USB buses and all other components on my laptop, so if there is an update fix out there for this, I have yet to find it. 

    Thanks!

Replying to my own post... I just had a possible cause pop into my head.   The Music Streamer II has no external power supply, it is powered by the USB port itself.  Could it possibly be an issue with the DAC getting some strange power levels through the laptop's battery?    Just a thought.   If this is true... could a quality powered USB hub help solve the issue? 

Thanks again for any help!