[Deadhead87]

I got an E7 used on Amazon.  I've never used an amp or DAC before, so I'm not sure what to expect.  When plugged into a laptop usb port, it seems to work and the sound seems to be improved, but there is static present at all times (when sound is and isn't playing).  Is this in any way normal?  I don't know much about this product, or if there is some incorrect setting I have it on.  The static grows louder when the volume is turned up?  It was listed as "like new," but contained no instructions.  Am I missing something or might it be defective? 

 

[DarkAudit]

Quote:

I got an E7 used on Amazon.  I've never used an amp or DAC before, so I'm not sure what to expect.  When plugged into a laptop usb port, it seems to work and the sound seems to be improved, but there is static present at all times (when sound is and isn't playing).  Is this in any way normal?  I don't know much about this product, or if there is some incorrect setting I have it on.  The static grows louder when the volume is turned up?  It was listed as "like new," but contained no instructions.  Am I missing something or might it be defective? 

Are you getting the same static with just headphones plugged in? I get that here with my desktop. I think it's just electronic noise from the computer itself.

 

[Deadhead87]

Yeah, it's just headphones plugged in. I actually don't have speakers to test it with. As for the electronic noise, isn't the whole purpose of a DAC to eliminate that, not amplify it?

 

[DarkAudit]

Quote:

Yeah, it's just headphones plugged in. I actually don't have speakers to test it with. As for the electronic noise, isn't the whole purpose of a DAC to eliminate that, not amplify it?

Yes. So you're getting the noise from the DAC too, not just the PC headphone port? Hmm. My problem is the noise from the desktop front panel port. Even with volume at zero I get noise.

 

[Deadhead87]

I've been testing it with an iPod (with a line-out cable) and the static is still there.