Developed a crackle

[admin_exported]

I have annoyingly developed an occasional crackle when using my Netbook, HRT music streamer . I have discounted the amp and speakers by using a different source to test. Any ideas?

 

[Anonymous]

Dam I think it may be the Netbooks power supply, which is not good as the NC 10 battery is almost dead. No crackles so far with it disconnected.

 

[Andrew Everard]

For a whole load of interference-related reasons, I've always found netbooks and laptops sound best as music sources when running on battery power.

 

[Anonymous]

in this case I might invest in a new NC10 Battery or two. Thanks MR E

 

[Messiah]

I have had this problem recently as have a few others.

I do not think it is an issue with the netbook or power supply. I think it is software related. I thought it was iTunes originally but someone else had the issue and put it down to a recent windows update. When they completed a system restore the problem was fixed. I would give this a go before buying another battery.

I'll just find the other thread...

 

[Messiah]

Thread HERE

 

[Anonymous]

Thread HERE

Hey messiah, thanks so much for the heads up. If I can resolve this issue without going down any other route it would be great. I just love the sound I have currently, it's just the crackles and pops are ruining the sound quality.

 

[Anonymous]

I used the Samsung Magic doctor to diagnose the system It told me the master volume is too low, I clicked the cure button but an error report came up. Maybe a system restore would be a good plan.

 

[Messiah]

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Anonymous]

I did a system restore, same Crackle, So then the only option was to Change every Cable, USB , Phono, speaker cable, adaptor, different plug sockets, with each change I checked for the crackle by listening for ten minutes after each change.

Well the upshot is that for now the crackle has disappeared after replacing the phono cable between DAC and amp! Do they fail? just like that?

Any way fingers crossed, and thanks for the suggestions

 

[chebby]

Bypass the DAC completely by connecting the computer directly to the hifi with an analogue (phono --> 3.5mm jack) cable.

See if that produces crackle.

 

[Anonymous]

well I have continued testing for Half an hour and guess what, The computer shuts down automatically for a system reboot. When it's up and running again it tells me it has installed an important widows security update. I guess it's done this as I did a system restore to an earlier date last night. Any way I load up Spotify again, this time the right channel just starts disappearing totally. So I do a system restore to another earlier point and turn off all updates for now, I run Spotify again and the problem is as bad as ever. I really don't want this to be the case but I am wondering if my DAC has a problem. ? Really frustrating!

It is the DAC!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Chebby, recommence testing.

 

[chebby]

And there is another test. Try playing from the computer using only headphones (plugged directly into the computer not the amp). This should tell you whether the crackle comes from hifi or computer.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestions,

Have completed both tests,

PC connected directly to amp = ok sound quality but no crackle.

Headphones connected straight to PC = good sound quality and no crackle

Reserve CD player connected to same input on amp as the DAC was connected to = great sound quality no crackle.

Return DAC = Return of the crackle.

 

[Messiah]

I definitely think it is a Windows/USB issue.

I have come across this thread and it may help.

There are other threads that a quick google will point you towards as well giving the same issue and same solution.

 

[Overdose]

Could be a badly made connection in the USB cable or a dry joint somewhere in the DAC. Have you tried a different USB outlet from the netbook?

 

[Messiah]

Or try THIS

 

[Messiah]

Or try THIS

 

[Messiah]

Not only have it double posted and I have no option to delete one of the posts, I have also linked to the same post I put on the first page.

D'oh!

(Maybe it can be deleted Mods??)

 

[Anonymous]

Hi what OS are you using?

Can you try the DAC on another computer/laptop/netbook?

 

[Shanka]

Hi Limey,

Have just noticed you changed your DAC from your sig, was the HRT Musicstreamer the problem here,I noticed you changed to a dacmagic,do you find this an improvement? I know it has more connectivity but was looking at musicstreamer but had you had yours for long, were you able to get it covered under a warranty.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

The problem was with the HRT, it is bus powered and for some reason didn't cope well with opening other applications or updates. As far as the sound quality of the HRT goes , well it is excellent and in my opinion deserves the review Whifi gave it. Any way the DAC went back for a refund, at the end of the day it should work properly as I have the minimum system requirements.

As far as the Dacmagic goes, I have been really impressed with both sound quality and build quality. I think it's been a good purchase with absolutely no issues with my PC.

 

[Anonymous]

oh yes, I am enjoying the extra connectivity, I plugged the TV in via optical and the improvements have been very good, nice clear dialogue and all the background effects come through very clearly.

 

[Shanka]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, as I am still looking to get a dac do you feel with the extra connectivity and good sound this is a good buy in relation to the hrt, it is not that much more and looks a sturdier piece of kit.
The fact I would have to plug it in is not an issue for me as can just sit it with the hifi,

Thanks again