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OvrTehBottm
6
Apr 13, 2017
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maverickjoe
2
Apr 14, 2017
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OvrTehBottmHow are you connecting the computer to your DAC? I just received mine as well and I use SPDIF and I don't hear any hum. Also, my rca cables are one from monoprice. I use a Hifiman 400i and Asus 1070 gpu, btw if there is any difference there.
OvrTehBottm
6
Apr 14, 2017
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maverickjoeI'm not using a DAC. The I+ is connected directly to either the Speaker Out or Headset (front port) 3.5mm via a IXCC 3.5mm to RCA cord.
So, as a test, this morning I unplugged the I+ from the PC, ran a graphically intensive game, and left it in it's current position on the desk. The same position with the static, whistles, and pops while running games. The result was once again dead quiet across the volume range.
Does this mean I need a DAC? I'm not sure how a DAC would solve my troubles.
So, as a test, this morning I unplugged the I+ from the PC, ran a graphically intensive game, and left it in it's current position on the desk. The same position with the static, whistles, and pops while running games. The result was once again dead quiet across the volume range.
Does this mean I need a DAC? I'm not sure how a DAC would solve my troubles.
Neblin7
545
Apr 14, 2017
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OvrTehBottmI have an idea. Are you using onboard audio? I've found that I get some hum no matter how good they try and sell the onboard audio for mother boards. I'll never purchase a board based on it. As soon as I output the audio to my Scarlett 2i4 via USB, all hum is gone. I'm going from the Scarlett to some Yamaha HS7's just for reference. I get no hum on mute or at the lowest volume levels.
OvrTehBottm
6
Apr 14, 2017
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Neblin7The hum I expect, the issue isn't a hum, but loud static, whistles, and pops that severely interfere with gaming. I just ordered the TEAC DAC that is on Massdrop. Hopefully connecting with a Toslink cable I'll get rid of the noise. Worst case, I'll have a decent audio setup to get my Fiance' pissed at me for not hearing her when she says something to me.
maverickjoe
2
Apr 15, 2017
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OvrTehBottmSorry for the late reply. I don't know for sure the connection or perhaps the lack of shielding is causing the hum (or what you're hearing). I don't know if I would have bought a DAC unless you were sure that the onboard DAC is the cause. I connected my DAC to the computer via USB and on low-gain with the volume all the way up, I can hear a slight fuzz. However, via Toslink (and with the USB cable disconnected), the fuzz is nonexistent. In any case, let us know how the TEAC DAC turns out, if it resolves your issue.
OvrTehBottm
6
May 4, 2017
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maverickjoeSo I thought to update this thread for future posterity, hoping that a future person may find assistance. If we remember, going to the beginning, there was a significant level of static, pops, and whistles only during heavy GPU extensive gaming. When not gaming, there was only the slight electrical hum from the PC. Disconnecting the Little Dot I+ from a signal source resulted in an empty sound space across the full range of the volume control.
After some research a Tripp-Lite Isobar (8 outlet in my case) was introduced, replacing my original mid-priced power strip. This removed all of the static, pops, and whistles associated with GPU extensive gaming, leaving just the low grade electrical hum from the PC. Meaning that the noise was a ground fault issue. Upgraded shielded display and audio cables were acquired to little or no effect. Finally, a admittedly expensive Audio card, the Asus Zonar Essence STX II was purchased. This has resulted in a completely quiet sound space when there is no audio, except at the highest of volume levels on the Little Dot I+.
Some information I have gathered from this experience. 1) A per outlet isolating power strip is highly recommended. The Isobar by Tripp-Lite is an excellent unit to start (although availability internationally is a question) 2) When considering an Audio card buy with the highest signal-to-noise ratio you can afford. The other bells and whistles are nice, but the SNR is of utmost importance.
In the end, the biggest bang for the buck came from the Tripp-Lite Isobar. At $55.00 USD it is inexpensive when considering a new amp should a $2 ground plug adapter prove insufficient to protect your equipment. For another $60 USD a decent sound card may help with PC hum.
After some research a Tripp-Lite Isobar (8 outlet in my case) was introduced, replacing my original mid-priced power strip. This removed all of the static, pops, and whistles associated with GPU extensive gaming, leaving just the low grade electrical hum from the PC. Meaning that the noise was a ground fault issue. Upgraded shielded display and audio cables were acquired to little or no effect. Finally, a admittedly expensive Audio card, the Asus Zonar Essence STX II was purchased. This has resulted in a completely quiet sound space when there is no audio, except at the highest of volume levels on the Little Dot I+.
Some information I have gathered from this experience. 1) A per outlet isolating power strip is highly recommended. The Isobar by Tripp-Lite is an excellent unit to start (although availability internationally is a question) 2) When considering an Audio card buy with the highest signal-to-noise ratio you can afford. The other bells and whistles are nice, but the SNR is of utmost importance.
In the end, the biggest bang for the buck came from the Tripp-Lite Isobar. At $55.00 USD it is inexpensive when considering a new amp should a $2 ground plug adapter prove insufficient to protect your equipment. For another $60 USD a decent sound card may help with PC hum.
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Now for the interesting part. If I do nothing, no source being used, there is a very subtle hum. PC noise, I get it, nothing that can be done about it. The hum doesn't detract from music at any volume. However, as soon as I start playing a game that utilizes the graphics card the hum becomes significant, changing to static with whistles and pops. I have limited space to place the unit. The best I could hope to achieve, by buying longer cables, is to go from 1 ft to 3.5ft from the PC. The downside is the I+ will be placed next to my printer which may produce it's own interference signal. So my question to everyone is this: Any suggestions as to how to solve my dilemma?
Btw, the graphics card is a MSI 980ti installed into a MSI Titanium Gaming Edition Z170.
I should mention that while unplugged from the PC the I+ is dead quiet across the full range of volume.
Any thoughts? Solutions?