Please help: Unexpected distortion after upgrading DAC + speakers

[FuzzBuster]

Hi all,

Thanks for reading my post. I recently upgraded from Logitech speakers to Edifier R1280DBs and added an iFi ZEN Air DAC via USB on Windows 10. Overall, sound quality is better, but now I’m hearing distortion across basically the entire frequency range for many songs.

Some tracks sound fine, others grainy or harsh. Interestingly, Logitech speakers seemingly had no such issues (or were they just masked?) , so it’s odd that higher-fidelity gear brings this. Could it be the DAC?

I’ve tried Windows DAC settings (no enhancements, exclusive mode, Foobar2000 via WASAPI—though my Foobar test may not have been perfect), but the problem persists. Time is critical, as I may need to return one or both components if they’re defective.

Anyone else ever had or heard of similar issues? Should I consider a technician-level diagnosis, or is there something else I should check first?

Thanks!
David, near Barcelona, Spain

 

[daytona600]

Can you take them back to the dealer / shop that supplied them for advise

 

[FuzzBuster]

Thanks for your reply. I bought both the speakers and DAC through Amazon. It seems unusual that these items would be defective, but obviously possible.

 

[Jasonovich]

I assume the settings for Foobar2000 were the same for the Logitech?
If I were you, I would return the Edifiers. Don't waste time on it.
Their products are not necessarily pitched for enthusiast of Hifi.
I would exchange them for active Presonus or Mackie's, these will give you better performance across the frequency range.

 

[FuzzBuster]

Thanks for your reply! I didn’t actually use Foobar2000 with the Logitech speakers — only with the new setup. Back then I mostly listened through Spotify or YouTube. So it’s possible that the difference in playback chain is also influencing what I’m hearing.

Still, it’s interesting that the Logitechs didn’t seem to distort, even at higher volumes. I’ll keep your suggestion about the Presonus or Mackies in mind if I end up returning the Edifiers.