Stax SRD-X buzzing type sound when plugged into PC

[NoObHiFi]

I recently got a Stax SR-202 with an SRD-X driver. My setup is powerboard -> power adapter -> SRD-X. When I listen to this setup plugged in to my phone it sounds perfect, but when I plug into my PC (back and front audio the same, though front is a bit worse) I get this strange noise. A sample can be heard here (https://voca.ro/14trV2m3VUgI). I previously had a SRM-252A driver which did not have this issue when plugged into the PC. The PC is plugged into the same power board as the power adapter for the driver if that matters, but again it was a non issue with the SRM-252A.

 

[GREQ]

I recently got a Stax SR-202 with an SRD-X driver. My setup is powerboard -> power adapter -> SRD-X. When I listen to this setup plugged in to my phone it sounds perfect, but when I plug into my PC (back and front audio the same, though front is a bit worse) I get this strange noise. A sample can be heard here (https://voca.ro/14trV2m3VUgI). I previously had a SRM-252A driver which did not have this issue when plugged into the PC. The PC is plugged into the same power board as the power adapter for the driver if that matters, but again it was a non issue with the SRM-252A.

It sounds like you're using motherboard audio from your PC.

Often these outputs are not properly shielded, and can/will transmit electrical humming, sometimes excessively to some sources - sometimes this depends on the device or headphone receiving the signal, as some devices are just more sensitive to it than others.
Also, in most cases, the front audio ports are even less properly shielded, as they have long wires running through the PC to the front IO, which are susceptible to even more interferance as the cable passes by the other components in the PC.

Most of us bypass PC/motherboard audio entirely in favour of a low-voltage, external, USB DAC.
Cheap ones on ebay or aliexpress can be had for as little as $5-15 (search for PCM 2704 DAC), and should immediately eliminate that humming/buzzing sound, but this is head-fi so I'm bound by honour to recommend you buy a DAC for $10,000.

 

[NoObHiFi]

It sounds like you're using motherboard audio from your PC.

Often these outputs are not properly shielded, and can/will transmit electrical humming, sometimes excessively to some sources - sometimes this depends on the device or headphone receiving the signal, as some devices are just more sensitive to it than others.
Also, in most cases, the front audio ports are even less properly shielded, as they have long wires running through the PC to the front IO, which are susceptible to even more interferance as the cable passes by the other components in the PC.

Most of us bypass PC/motherboard audio entirely in favour of a low-voltage, external, USB DAC.
Cheap ones on ebay or aliexpress can be had for as little as $5-15 (search for PCM 2704 DAC), and should immediately eliminate that humming/buzzing sound, but this is head-fi so I'm bound by honour to recommend you buy a DAC for $10,000.

When I plug the SRD-X into my Macbook which is plugged in to the same powerboard, no such issues. With the SRM-252A there used to be buzzing when I touched the Macbook, PC or anything else (grounding issue I guess, or something intrinsic to the tiny driver). I tried plugging the SRD-X into a Galaxy S3 which serves as my network card, and there is only buzzing when the phone is plugged in to the PC. So I guess the PC is the culprit. Wouldn't a USB DAC therefore face the same issues?

 

[GREQ]

Wouldn't a USB DAC therefore face the same issues?

Fortunately not.
All USB DACs that I've ever used have practically been 'isolated' (or provide isolation) from normal electrical humming noises.
This includes USB-powered DACs and DACs that have their own separate power requirements and needed plugging into an electrical outlet.

Despite owning much higher end components now, I still have my old PCM 2704 DAC and it still performs wonderfully for this task, although I don't use it any more.
The only problem buying one of those cheap DACs is that the cheapest ones don't actually come with USB cables!

Here are some examples of some of the chepest USB powered DACs:
B-Type USB Board only
Dongle-Type Board only
B-Type USB Board Type + Aluminium Case
USB-C Dongle DAC (works on PC or phone)
One of the cheapest dongle DACs

The other good thing about external soundcards or USB DACs is that they will follow you onto the next system and won't become quickly obsolete when either PCI-e formats change or software drivers are no longer supported.

 

[NoObHiFi]

Ordered a PCM 2704 off Aliexpress, will be 3D printing a housing . I got the large desktop style one.

Edit: was trying to find the dimensions of the screw holes when I came across https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/pcm2704-usb-dacs.2203/post-59846. Let's hope the PCM 2704 isolates the PC noise well.

 

[NoObHiFi]

Fortunately not.
All USB DACs that I've ever used have practically been 'isolated' (or provide isolation) from normal electrical humming noises.
This includes USB-powered DACs and DACs that have their own separate power requirements and needed plugging into an electrical outlet.

Despite owning much higher end components now, I still have my old PCM 2704 DAC and it still performs wonderfully for this task, although I don't use it any more.
The only problem buying one of those cheap DACs is that the cheapest ones don't actually come with USB cables!

Here are some examples of some of the chepest USB powered DACs:
B-Type USB Board only
Dongle-Type Board only
B-Type USB Board Type + Aluminium Case
USB-C Dongle DAC (works on PC or phone)
One of the cheapest dongle DACs

The other good thing about external soundcards or USB DACs is that they will follow you onto the next system and won't become quickly obsolete when either PCI-e formats change or software drivers are no longer supported.

Unfortunately the issue still occurs with the DAC. The noise is still present regardless of which USB ports I use. I can hear a change in the noise if I move my mouse or scroll. Is this perhaps a motherboard issue? I am using a Asus B550M-K.

 

[GREQ]

I've done some reading on your motherboard, it appears to be a common problem that is simply solved by updating the drivers.
You may want to look into that.

 

[NoObHiFi]

I've done some reading on your motherboard, it appears to be a common problem that is simply solved by updating the drivers.
You may want to look into that.

I tried reinstalling the latest Realtek drivers as well as PCIe 3 change, as well as a BIOS update to no avail. Those posts mention audio crackling/popping though, which is not my issue. Is there a way to perhaps make the DAC externally powered? Desolder the power pins and add an external supply? I also came across USB isolators such as those based on the ADUM3160. Would these fix the problem?

It's a pity the SRD-X is so sensitive to noise.. my HD58X sound fine through the PC's front headphone jack.

 

[NoObHiFi]

EUREKA!! I recieved a set of Stax Lambda Spirit from Japan, and I used it's power supply, and lo and behold the noise is gone. So it seems the isolation offered by the transformer was the secret. Now to find a spare transformer-based 12V adapter..