Serious speaker noise even with external DAC

[Selbi]

I've received two JBL LSR305 recently to be used for my computer setup. Being my first "serious" speakers, I expected to have some issues. However, I never thought the problem would be having serious noise with the speakers. This not just some basic ground loop buzzing, this is far worse:

https://vocaroo.com/i/s0rlfLNc6diX

The big head-scratcher here is that this happens even when I use my Schiit Fulla 2 as external DAC, just like if I had just put the speakers directly into my on-board sound.

HOWEVER, this only happens when my computer is somehow involved! If I use my laptop, my phone, or even either of the two connected to my Fulla, the sound is perfectly fine. The sole issue therefore seems to be my computer and nothing else. Unfortunately, I'm at a loss for ideas of what to do without spending another hundred bucks on one of these "USB decrapifiers", as Schiit likes to call them. And even then I'd have no guarrantee that it'd actual fix the issue.

I'm expecting a Schiit Jotunheim to arrive a few days from now (I placed the order for them before my JBL arrived), but I fear it might have the same problem. I'd like to avoid that.

Any ideas what I can do?

 

[cossix]

I've received two JBL LSR305 recently to be used for my computer setup. Being my first "serious" speakers, I expected to have some issues. However, I never thought the problem would be having serious noise with the speakers. This not just some basic ground loop buzzing, this is far worse:

https://vocaroo.com/i/s0rlfLNc6diX

The big head-scratcher here is that this happens even when I use my Schiit Fulla 2 as external DAC, just like if I had just put the speakers directly into my on-board sound.

HOWEVER, this only happens when my computer is somehow involved! If I use my laptop, my phone, or even either of the two connected to my Fulla, the sound is perfectly fine. The sole issue therefore seems to be my computer and nothing else. Unfortunately, I'm at a loss for ideas of what to do without spending another hundred bucks on one of these "USB decrapifiers", as Schiit likes to call them. And even then I'd have no guarrantee that it'd actual fix the issue.

I'm expecting a Schiit Jotunheim to arrive a few days from now (I placed the order for them before my JBL arrived), but I fear it might have the same problem. I'd like to avoid that.

Any ideas what I can do?

I use the Jot + 305 and it'll be completely fine for you. I don't know why the Fulla is messing with the sound but the Jot is amazing both as a balanced amp/DAC combo, and as a preamp. You'll see once it arrives

 

[Selbi]

Not the Fulla is messing with my sound, as I've said. It's only when my desktop computer is involved.

 

[cossix]

Not the Fulla is messing with my sound, as I've said. It's only when my desktop computer is involved.

How are you connecting the devices? If you're just doing PC/laptop/phone > Fulla > speakers then it shouldn't matter which source you're using because they're all just throwing 1's and 0's at the Fulla. Maybe the USB header on the desktop is wonky? Have you tried both USB 2 and 3 to see if the problem is the same? It could be a USB voltage issue on the desktop

 

[Selbi]

How are you connecting the devices? If you're just doing PC/laptop/phone > Fulla > speakers then it shouldn't matter which source you're using because they're all just throwing 1's and 0's at the Fulla. Maybe the USB header on the desktop is wonky? Have you tried both USB 2 and 3 to see if the problem is the same? It could be a USB voltage issue on the desktop

Yeah, exactly like that it's set up, and only with the PC is it making these noises. I've tried different cables and checked it with all my USB ports on my PC. Doesn't matter which one I take.

I forgot to mention in my original post that I've been using this Fullla 2 with my Fidelio X2 and some cheap speakers for many months and never had any problems. Those still work fine, in fact. It seems like the JBL are exposing noise that was always there but I was never able to hear on the other gear and still can't.

 

[cossix]

Yeah, exactly like that it's set up, and only with the PC is it making these noises. I've tried different cables and checked it with all my USB ports on my PC. Doesn't matter which one I take.

I forgot to mention in my original post that I've been using this Fullla 2 with my Fidelio X2 and some cheap speakers for many months and never had any problems. Those still work fine, in fact. It seems like the JBL are exposing noise that was always there but I was never able to hear on the other gear and still can't.

But if you have the odd noise with the JBL + Fulla + PC but NOT with JBL +Fulla + phone/laptop then that's something very weird happening and you need an exorcist

 

[MindsMirror]

Sounds like a ground loop issue. The laptop or phone are battery powered so they are not grounded, the PC is grounded and creates a loop which picks up noise. Not sure what the best way to fix it is.

 

[buke9]

Also if you have dimmer switches for lights in the house make sure they are also turned off they also will cause problems.

 

[Selbi]

Wasn't a ground loop a continuous hiss? This is more like continuous pounding at infrequent intervals with electrical noise. What I've also found out is that it seems to be quickly changing when I open or close windows on my desktop. So I guess it comes from within my PC.

I've bought a USB isolator for 37 bucks now. If it doesn't change anything, I'll just send it back, though I guess that's exactly what's going to happen.

For dimmers in my house, I live in a dorm. There are hundreds of people in here. Chances are that at least some of them have a dimmer. Could also be Powerline Communication messing with the power supply. Maybe I need a UPS?

 

[Selbi]

Reporting back to confirm that the 37€ USB isolator worked like a charm! All the noise is gone and the music is crystal clear now.