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.

 

[Jasonovich]

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.

Are you getting the same distortion when you listen to Spotify or YouTube.
If it's just Foobar, try disabling some of the plug ins.

Ok the penny dropped, I recall having distortion coming out from my speakers, I discovered the Realtek motherboard chipset was conflicting with my Eversolo DAC drivers.
The problem disappeared when I disabled all audio drivers and left the Eversolo one active.
Check if you have other audio drivers other than the Ifi that are active, try disabling them

Good luck 😊

https://amzn.eu/d/f0KYz6f

https://amzn.eu/d/6dP5EcY

 

[FuzzBuster]

Thanks again for your reply — I really appreciate your suggestions, and no answer is too basic or repetitive.

To update you on what I’ve tried so far: I played a FLAC file on YouTube, and it sounded distorted. I also tested a FLAC file through Foobar2000 (assuming I set it up correctly), and it sounded terrible as well.

Your edit about potential driver conflicts makes sense (according to A.I.). I’ll check my Device Manager and see if there are any audio drivers besides the iFi DAC active, and try disabling them temporarily to test if that resolves the distortion---if I can. (This is all new to me.)

If you or anyone else could give a quick tip on the safest way to disable other drivers without affecting the rest of my laptop’s audio setup, I would appeciate it. Thanks!