XDA-2 with iTunes white noise issues

[dazza]

Hi,

I'm in the process of building a 2 channel setup comprising of a iMac, XDA-2, and a pair of audioengine A5's.  I've noticed when I play my music through iTunes, after a short while I get a breakup in the music ranging from slight static to white noise.  Occasionally the music re-commences.  Any thoughts on what this maybe? Furthermore, do I need to install a suitable media programme such as jriver?

Thanks in advance, Dazza

[audiobill]

Have you checked your audio midi settings on your mac?

[dazza]

Yes, too a fashion, since this my first Mac.  I think I have set the XDA to play music, all other notifications play via internal speakers.  The noise/breakup happens irrespective of the sample rate.  Anything I've missed?

[dazza]

After several hours of swapping in and 2 XDA-2's, USB cables and optical cables, and 2 Mac's, I've concluded that the resultant noise problems are due to my new Mac! I'm edging my bets on the fusion drive. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone using a late 2012 iMac with an external DAC?