kupco

Are you talking about youtube? Do you also get random sound popping in your headphones? If so, this is an issue that some people (including me) are experiencing since the Creators update 1709. You can find two threads about it here in sound and troubleshooting sections. No solution yet unfortunately.

I was able to replicate this on my Dell XPS 13 laptop which has no nVidia gpu. To me this looks like some Windows issue that started with the 1709 update. So far it looks like audio via DisplayPort to my monitor and hooking that up to my headamp is without this issue. But I have a good dedicated internal soundcard that I got to take advantage of a good DAC and surround sound for gaming and it is just sitting idle right now. Also, the fact that the issue is resolved after a restart would support the theory that this is somehow Windows related, no?

You guys are not alone... no fix to date that I know of

I'm so happy it's not only me! I thought I was going crazy. I was already debating buying a new power supply and possibly new motherboard. The crackling is extremely annoying and so random. I have a a thing for good sound, have a dedicated soundcard (Soundblaster ZxR) a headamp and Senns HD650 and the crackling is really apparent. I thought it was my headamp at first, but the issue persists even without using it. I persist even when I plug it into my laptop. The only common thing is Windows 10 1709 Creators update. The problem persists when I play audio through my Soundblaster soundcard or via integrated mobo soundcard (Asus Maximus VIII Ranger). Uninstalling drivers for both soundcards didn't help. Disabling mobo soundcard didn't help. I'm now trying outputting audio via my nVidia GTX1080 into my monitor and hooking up my headamp via the monitor headphone jack now to see if that helps. But that is such a stupid workaround and it bypasses the great DAC I have in my dedicated soundcard. I'm really bummed out there is not a solution to this yet. It is extremely annoying. Can't believe more people are not plagued by this, but I presume it's not as apparent on cheaper headphones. Or are we just isolated cases?