atarione
500+ Head-Fier
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Some how in decades of PC usage this is the 1st time I have had this issue with my current pc.
I don't think it is a ground loop, as the sound is more like a clicking noise from electrical noise from the computer itself, shutting the pc down / putting it to sleep stops the noise as well. (still plugged in and power switch on psu still on).
These are the symptoms so far:
SMSL SU-1 dac: clicking noise changes in pitch /sound with usage of pc mouse keyboard..etc computer activity and noise is present when pc is sitting idle as well. The issue is present on both USB and Optical input when powering the DAC with PC's usb ports or powered hub attached to pc, optical doesn't have noise when powering the DAC with a separate USB power supply.
Onboard audio has the issue as well on 3.5mm jack and the optical out seems ok when the previously mentioned DAC is power by separate non pc usb ports /hub.
For testing I also got out my old FiiO E07K and it has the same clicking sound issues as onboard anaglog audio and the SMSL when using usb from the pc.
Steinberg UR22mkII seems unaffected either w/ PC power or using an external USB power supply.
I am wondering if a USB noise Isolator like the Topping HS02 will help with the SMSL SU-1 DAC? Or if something like an AC power conditioner (looked at the ELAC Protek 8 on amazon for example) may help or something else entirely?
I don't think it is a ground loop, as the sound is more like a clicking noise from electrical noise from the computer itself, shutting the pc down / putting it to sleep stops the noise as well. (still plugged in and power switch on psu still on).
These are the symptoms so far:
SMSL SU-1 dac: clicking noise changes in pitch /sound with usage of pc mouse keyboard..etc computer activity and noise is present when pc is sitting idle as well. The issue is present on both USB and Optical input when powering the DAC with PC's usb ports or powered hub attached to pc, optical doesn't have noise when powering the DAC with a separate USB power supply.
Onboard audio has the issue as well on 3.5mm jack and the optical out seems ok when the previously mentioned DAC is power by separate non pc usb ports /hub.
For testing I also got out my old FiiO E07K and it has the same clicking sound issues as onboard anaglog audio and the SMSL when using usb from the pc.
Steinberg UR22mkII seems unaffected either w/ PC power or using an external USB power supply.
I am wondering if a USB noise Isolator like the Topping HS02 will help with the SMSL SU-1 DAC? Or if something like an AC power conditioner (looked at the ELAC Protek 8 on amazon for example) may help or something else entirely?