[JungleMan]

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.

Tried swapping slots, tried taking out the Wi-Fi dongle I recently added, tried hooking up another source (Apple iPhone, as well as the onboard sound on the computer itself) and the hissing goes away. It's also worth noting that when I start the computer I can faintly hear the hard drive whirring through the headphones, but can't hear mouse clicks and other interference along those lines.

Seems like some kind of interference issue. Any suggestions?

 

[ROBSCIX]

Does this happen with stock drivers?

Try muting all the inputs... sometimes if they are enabled and left floating they can hiss or add interference to the mix.

 

[JungleMan]

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 haha... just made it back to the kX...

 

[JungleMan]

Any ideas?

 

[skyline889]

...I don't know what to tell you. The hissing is inherent to the 2ZS, it's not a very high quality source. I had a 2ZS Platinum Pro that hissed like crazy. The solution for me was to get rid of it and move on.

 

[JungleMan]

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.