UPDATE 2: Further messing around. I was able to get a hold of a sound bar that had optical input. Connected it to my computer to see if the left and right channels both worked. Surprisingly, they worked without issues. Plugged the SMSL back in, headphones in, both channels worked this time...

True, if it was a setting in Windows that is the culprit, this issue will still be present. However, I have a stronger suspicion that it is the onboard soundcard or software for it and not necessarily Windows. The software for Realtek is severely lacking. Also, when I press test in Windows Sound...

UPDATE I was able to test the SMSL with my TV. Optical to SMSL, headphones connected to SMSL. Headphones worked without issues this time. So it seems the issue lies with the configuration on the computer. I haven't setup audio through the optical output from a computer before, so maybe there is...

@PurpleAngel What is strange is the "configure" button in Windows Sound is not available and is greyed out for the Digital Output that I am using for the AMP. This is where the speaker setup is usually configured. Thanks for the suggestions for replacement amps/dac, I will look into those if my...

I am going to have a coworker test it out on his computer as well. He has different headphones with a different 1/4" adapter, as well as another TOSLINK cable to test with. So I we will know definitively where the problem lies by Thursday.   I already suspected the SMSL as the culprit but...

I have the new AKG K553 Pro's and an SMSL SD793-II. I know that these headphones do not need an amp technically, but I wanted to get one for future headphones as well.   Headphones work great through direct output from my computer and my work computer. At home, I have the AMP connected to my...

This thread can be deleted. duplicate as it had a link in it and was not sure if it was going to be posted.

Hello everyone, my name is James and I am just getting into the world of high-end sound and headphones. I recently purchased the AKG K553 Pro's and an SMSL SD793-II. My wife's co-worker pointed me here so figured I should join up and participate in the community! Look forward to getting to know...