Unwanted Noise, Help Please!!

[Audio_ELF]

Another thought... If we are thinking the problem may be due to the proximity of the PSU to the motherboard, etc; could you (for testing) remove the PSU from the case using something like this -- ATX 24 Pin Male to 24 Pin Female Internal PC PSU Power Extension Cable | eBay

 

Eloise

[PhilipAC]

Thank you Eloise. Now I understand- well, I don't, but I will when I investigate your point more! It is very relevant to me, since I have an identical issue (again with no problem on head phones).

[PhilipAC]

Hi JFraser

 

My similar issue (a crackling sound, not a hum) is only on the left channel. Is your problem on both channels?

[sandyk]

I would still try One and a half's suggestion of trying a spare USB cable with the shield opened (carefully! ) near the USB plug at the device end.

This breaks an earth loop due to many USB devices having the shield and 0 volts (black wire) connected internally.

Also ensure that the PSU is properly earthed to the case and mains I.E.C earth with a DMM if you have one.

[JFraser]

I just changed the RCA cables from the DAC to the 10s with RCA to XLR cables and it's fixed it.

[Skeptic]

I'm glad you got things sorted out, and confirmed that it was nothing to do with anything inside your PC case.

[highstream]

I started another thread about my desktop audio problem that started when I switched speakers from Focal CMS 40s to Quad 12L actives, going from dead quiet to a concert of hash and other noise (Computer Audio ticking noise). After inserting a HUM-X on the computer power line and turning down the speakers' volume, audible ticking remained the operative problem. Then curiosity got me to look at the SOtM PCI-USB card instructions again, and I noticed that the power switch controls USB port 1, while I had the USB cable's power line in port 2. Switching them lowered the ticking a bit, still audible, but workable for now.

[One and a half]

The chain's link is broken therefore the noise is gone downstream...... to the amplifiers in the speakers.

 

That doesn't quite get rid of the noise still present from the computer to the DAC though. Thanks for posting the update, appreciated.