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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: dyneq on February 20, 2014, 11:53:03 AM

Title: USB DAC noise
Post by: dyneq on February 20, 2014, 11:53:03 AM

I have an O2/ODAC connected to my work laptop. It exhibits noise whenever it is connected via USB (it also has an analog input that has no noise). If I power down the laptop the noise goes away (this amp is normally dead quiet). I have tried connecting it to the laptop's USB port and the dock's USB port, but that makes no difference. I have also tried different cables (Mini-B) with no joy.

What are my options for dealing with this? I know that USB isolators and fancy cables exist, but are there any DIY solutions to try before I get out my wallet?

Title: Re: USB DAC noise
Post by: DigiGal on February 20, 2014, 04:48:21 PM

What kind of noise?  If it's a hum/buzz then a USB isolation transformer will get rid of the ground loop between your devices.

LINK TO: Big Bear - USB 2.0 Isolated - Galvanically isolated USB 2.0 Full Speed Adaptor (https://electronics-shop.dk/galvanisk_isolation.htm?currency=EUR)

(https://electronics-shop.dk/prod/usb2iso-2.jpg)

Title: Re: USB DAC noise
Post by: dyneq on February 20, 2014, 05:06:57 PM

I'd describe it as static with some lower volume high-pitched hum thrown in. It's only in the right channel and gets louder as I increase the volume using the hardware volume knob. When I unplug it from USB and use the analog input, it's fine.

Thank you for the suggestion.