Static/crackling via USB input on DAC

[jdubs]

Intel NUC, Windows 10, Roon, WASAPi Exclusive
Topping D90SE USB input

By all accounts this should work flawlessly (and actually does sound amazing). But I’m getting considerable static/crackling in the background which seems to be USB related. I have about 4 of the correct USB cables (the printer style) one of which is a nice Monoprice one. 2 of them are noisier than the other 2, and the Monoprice one is in the noisy group. Even on the quieter side, it’s still noticeable in the quiet between songs.

I got the NUC to convert it to Roon Rock, but figured since it had Windows 10 already installed and that’s a one way ticket, I’d try it this way. And it works well. I stripped Windows to the minimum, and added Roon to startup so it opens on boot. Previously had a RPi as an endpoint but my computer that ran Roon wasn’t up to the high resolution work so I went this route. This noise was NOT there with USB out of the RPi.

I tried moving things around and plugging into different outlets… the usual things to try to get rid of interference. No Joy. This seems to be originating at the NUC and passing through the USB.

Googling this gets LOTS of results. There’s a few settings to try in Windows and reinstalling the audio drivers. And they talk about grounds and whatnot. One guy randomly tried a powered USB hub and it eliminated the noise IF it was plugged into AC.

I’m posting this here because I wanted to list my specifics and try to drill down a little before I dig in to trying everything but the kitchen sink.

Anyone have any experience with this?

[tasdom]

Had a similar experience and unplugged / rebooted my router and hasn't happened since.

[jdubs]

Quick troubleshooting update:

Tried a different USB DAC that I’ve used before. Same noise so it further points to the NUC.

Unplugging the USB eliminates the noise.

Noise is there even with the volume all the way down on my preamp. Not sure how this can be. But it’s only when the USB and rcas are plugged into the same DAC.

[jdubs]

Aug 1, 2021 22:03:27 GMT -5 tasdom said:

Had a similar experience and unplugged / rebooted my router and hasn't happened since.

Just tried that because it’s easy… still getting the noise.

[jdubs]

Just found a “fix” albeit inelegant. I lifted the ground on the NUC and no noise at all. So, that gives me something to go on. I’ve NEVER had a ground loop issue and I’ve been in this room with varying equipment for 11 years! Maybe a bad power supply; but I found a Roon community board where someone had the same issue with their NUC and this was their solution. Though they weren’t satisfied with it and neither am I!