Question Issues with ifi ZEN DAC AIR - Should I switch to an audio interface?

[ErezM]

I'm currently having issues with my ifi ZEN DAC AIR and I'm considering switching to an audio interface. I'd love to get some advice from the community.

Current setup:

• Speakers: Kali Audio LP-6 V2
• DAC: ifi ZEN DAC AIR

The issue: I'm experiencing digital noise from the RCA outputs of the DAC. The noise changes with my mouse movements, indicating digital interference. I've done extensive troubleshooting:

• Connected the speakers to my living room receiver using the same RCA cables - no noise there.
• Tried a different USB cable - issue persists.
• Tried a different USB port on my computer - issue still there.
• Updated the DAC's firmware - didn't help.
• The headphone output of the DAC doesn't produce the noise.

I'm now considering switching to an audio interface, specifically the Behringer UMC204HD, which has balanced XLR inputs and outputs. I'm confident this will solve my noise issues, but I have some questions:

1. Has anyone experienced similar issues with the ifi ZEN DAC AIR?
2. How does an audio interface like the Behringer UMC204HD compare to a dedicated DAC in terms of audio quality? Is it a good alternative?
3. Do you have any other solutions or alternatives you'd recommend for my setup?

Would love to hear what you think

 

[Vincent Kars]

You might try a USB isolator: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ground-loop-best-solution.51732/#post-1863472

 

[ErezM]

You might try a USB isolator: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ground-loop-best-solution.51732/#post-1863472

Hey!
I've read the thread. It looks like the right solution for me
Thanks a lot!
btw, does that mean I'll have to power the DAC with a transformer?
Anyway, I'm still curious, how is a USB audio interface as a DAC?

 

[RobSys]

Are you able to try a different computer or even a mobile phone (see https://forums.whathifi.com/threads...al-analog-converter-to-a-mobile-phone.111020/) ? Or at least a different mouse? iFi normally have a pretty good USB interface so I'm surprised that you're having this issue... Have you tried installing the iFi USB driver?

From the look of the Behringer UMC204HD it seems to be an AD converter i.e. an input to the computer (say from microphones, piano keyboards, etc.) rather than a DAC/Amp.

 

[ErezM]

Are you able to try a different computer or even a mobile phone (see https://forums.whathifi.com/threads...al-analog-converter-to-a-mobile-phone.111020/) ? Or at least a different mouse? iFi normally have a pretty good USB interface so I'm surprised that you're having this issue... Have you tried installing the iFi USB driver?

From the look of the Behringer UMC204HD it seems to be an AD converter i.e. an input to the computer (say from microphones, piano keyboards, etc.) rather than a DAC/Amp.

Hi!

Thanks for the reply! I did try connecting the DAC to my Macbook Air. There was no issue there. But I've read in forums that usually people who had this issue on desktop did not have it on laptops. Some suggest it is the GPU... hence the mouse movement that reflects in the noise.

 

[RobSys]

That may be possible... I use the iFiDSD Signature as my DAC/Amp with no issues whatsoever. The iDSD actually runs off an internal battery that's charged separately from the USB data source...
I don't believe the Behringer will work for you so if the USB isolator won't work, get another DAC/Amp (or another desktop PC )...

 

[ErezM]

That may be possible... I use the iFiDSD Signature as my DAC/Amp with no issues whatsoever. The iDSD actually runs off an internal battery that's charged separately from the USB data source...
I don't believe the Behringer will work for you so if the USB isolator won't work, get another DAC/Amp (or another desktop PC )...

I solved it

External power supply did the trick.
Apparently when the ZEN AIR is powered externally (it has this option), it has a way to filter out the USB power or prevent it from coming from the desktop in the first place.
I'm so glad I won't have to buy a USB isolator on top of the power supply.

BTW, the DSD cost 6-7 times more then my ZEN AIR where I live, for that price it better not produce noise

 

[RobSys]

Glad it's resolved for you.... Enjoy the music!

 

[ErezM]

Glad it's resolved for you.... Enjoy the music!

Thanks a lot! the Kali LP6 Wave-2 are absolutely amazing. The separation and sound stage are next level.