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USB Dac and can't elimate random static from the computer

post #1 of 6
12/19/11 at 8:11pm
Thread Starter 

Hi guys,

 

I asked this in the e10 impressions thread and didn't get an answer, was hoping i could get one here.

 

When I use the e10 at home (desktop, custom built) or my laptop (lenovo w/ fedora) I have absolutely no issues.

 

At work, we use dells and if I listen to anything using the e10 (pandora, youtube, soundcloud), or my own music using foobar portable while there is anything downloading or streaming in the background, i hear pc noise and clicks non stop, at really high volumes. with no downstream, it seems to be fine.

 

I've tried the rear usbs and the front usbs and have the same problem. Any ideas?

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post #2 of 6
12/19/11 at 9:12pm

The power coming from your computer is probably to blame.  Some computers generate really crappy power on the USB ports.

 

You might try a powered USB hub (one that has an AC adapter).  The Belkin 8-port ones are good and are under $20.  That may fix the problem.

 

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post #3 of 6
12/19/11 at 9:39pm
Thread Starter 

ok thanks. do you know if these clicks will damage the headphones? im not listening particularly loud but im still worried.

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post #4 of 6
12/20/11 at 3:04am

Are all your systems using W7x64 as the OS?

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post #5 of 6
12/20/11 at 3:34am

If you only need the USB for power, then an externally powered USB like Barleyguy mentioned may work.  If the Dell has a bad power supply, then it may still be a problem with an externally powered hub or not since your DAC still needs clean signal from the PC.  Have you tried your setup on a different PC at work to see if it causes the same annoying noises?  If it is just your box, then you could probably convince an IT guy to replace it or the power supply.  A reasonable reason to replace this power supply is that eventually the dirty power supply will either cause further serious PC problems or fail completely.

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post #6 of 6
12/20/11 at 8:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain Kracker View Post

If you only need the USB for power, then an externally powered USB like Barleyguy mentioned may work.  If the Dell has a bad power supply, then it may still be a problem with an externally powered hub or not since your DAC still needs clean signal from the PC.  Have you tried your setup on a different PC at work to see if it causes the same annoying noises?  If it is just your box, then you could probably convince an IT guy to replace it or the power supply.  A reasonable reason to replace this power supply is that eventually the dirty power supply will either cause further serious PC problems or fail completely.



The power supply isn't necessarily faulty.  Some computers just put noisy power over the USB ports, even when the power supply is perfectly in spec.  My Mac Mini has terribly noisy power, even though the computer is completely stable.  I think it's motherboard RF getting into the USB ports that causes it.

 

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