And a final resolution: it was a bad USB cable. Got another one and all problems went away. Thanks all!

No, I haven't tried it with my desktop. I'm hesitant to do so because I'm very happy with my desktop audio setup and it's my main listening computer. I'm a bit fearful of upsetting the configuration (I'm a linux admin and my listening desktop is a Windows machine and I have weak Windows skills)...

I'm looking for advice on troubleshooting a new Total Bithead. I sent email to support a couple days ago and while I wait for a response (and I'm not free to phone during their business hours), I'm wondering if anyone here has some ideas about what I should try. I'm trying to use the USB...